Which of the following options provides a description of mycobacteria general characteristics?
a) Mycobacteria are slender, slightly curved or straight, rod-shaped organisms 0.5 to 1.0 µm in size which are strictly nonaerobic. They are nonmotile and form spores. The cell wall has an extremely low lipid content; thus mycobacterial cells can be stained used basic aniline dyes at room temperature.
b) Mycobacteria are slender, slightly curved or straight, rod-shaped organisms 0.2 to 0.6 µm in size which are strictly aerobic, but increased carbon dioxide will enhance the growth in some species. They are nonmotile and do not form spores. The cell wall has an extremely high lipid content; thus mycobacterial cells resist staining with commonly used basic aniline dyes at room temperature. Mycobacteria do take up dye with increased staining time or application of heat; however, they resist decolorization with acid-ethanol.
c) Mycobacteria are slender, slightly curved or straight, rod-shaped organisms 0.2 to 0.6 µm in size which are strictly aerobic, but increased carbon dioxide will enhance the growth in some species. They are motile and form spores. The cell wall has an extremely high lipid content; thus mycobacterial cells resist staining with commonly used basic aniline dyes at room temperature.