Smallest Living Organism: Mycoplasmas are recognized as the smallest living organisms (0.1–0.3 µm) capable of independent growth, division, and reproduction.

Plant Pathogen: They cause several serious plant diseases, such as Little leaf of brinjal, Bunchy top of papaya, and Witches' broom.

Classification: They belong to the class Mollicutes and are characterized by the complete absence of a cell wall, making them pleomorphic (variable in shape) and resistant to antibiotics like penicillin that target cell wall synthesis.

Contrast with Viruses: While viruses are physically smaller than mycoplasmas (ranging from 20–300 nm), they are generally not classified as "living organisms" in this biological context because they are acellular and require a host cell's machinery to replicate

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