Cord factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is which molecule?

Prepare for the Respiratory CAS Exam with comprehensive quizzes. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each crafted with detailed explanations and hints. Equip yourself for success in your test!

Multiple Choice

Cord factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is which molecule?

Cord factor is a glycolipid in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope, specifically trehalose dimycolate, formed by trehalose linked to two mycolic acids. This molecule drives virulence by causing virulent strains to grow in parallel cords, a morphology linked to pathogenicity, and by activating macrophages to release TNF-α, which promotes fever and inflammatory granuloma formation. It also helps the bacteria survive inside cells by impairing phagosome-lysosome fusion. Other cell-wall lipids, like lipoarabinomannan, individual mycolic acids, and sulfatides, play different roles in immune interactions or cell-wall structure, but they are not the cord factor.

Cord factor is a glycolipid in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope, specifically trehalose dimycolate, formed by trehalose linked to two mycolic acids. This molecule drives virulence by causing virulent strains to grow in parallel cords, a morphology linked to pathogenicity, and by activating macrophages to release TNF-α, which promotes fever and inflammatory granuloma formation. It also helps the bacteria survive inside cells by impairing phagosome-lysosome fusion. Other cell-wall lipids, like lipoarabinomannan, individual mycolic acids, and sulfatides, play different roles in immune interactions or cell-wall structure, but they are not the cord factor.

More practice questions