Chapter 6, Problem 18CT

Summary Introduction

To determine

The reason that scientists have been unable to axenically culture Treponema pallidum in a laboratory medium.

Introduction:

Treponema pallidum is a bacterium that is responsible for causing the disease syphilis. All organisms require several nutrients to meet their energy demands to build the cellular structures and organic molecules. Bacteria require essential nutrients and physical environment such as temperature, humidity, and air composition for its proper growth. Treponema pallidum requires a suitable host for its growth and it cannot be cultured in vitro.