PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A M Lysenko

Publications and source records attributed to A M Lysenko.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Tepidimicrobium ferriphilum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel moderately thermophilic, Fe(III)-reducing bacterium of the order Clostridiales.

A moderately thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium (strain SB91T) was isolated from a freshwater hot spring at Barguzin Valley, Buryatiya, Russia. Cells of strain SB91T were straight to slightly curved rods, 0.5-0.6 microm in diameter and 3.0-7.0 mum in length. Formation of endospores was not observed. The temperature range for growth was 26-62 degrees C, with an optimum at 50 degrees C. The pH range for growth was 5.5-9.5, with an optimum at pH 7.5-8.0. The substrates utilized by strain SB91T in the presence of 9,10-anthraquinone 2,6-disulfonate included peptone, tryptone, Casamino acids, yeast extract, beef extract, casein hydrolysate, alanine plus glycine, alanine plus proline, L-valine and n-propanol. Carbohydrates were not utilized. Strain SB91T reduced amorphous Fe(III) oxide, Fe(III) citrate, Fe(III) EDTA or Fe(III) nitrilotriacetate with peptone, L-valine or n-propanol as an electron donor. Strain SB91T reduced 9,10-anthraquinone 2,6-disulfonate, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, fumarate and selenite. Strain SB91T survived after exposure to gamma-radiation at a dose of 5.4 kGy. The G+C content of the DNA of strain SB91T was 33 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolated organism belonged to cluster XII of the clostridia. On the basis of its physiological properties and the results of phylogenetic analyses, it is proposed that strain SB91T represents the sole species of a novel genus, Tepidimicrobium; the name Tepidimicrobium ferriphilum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with strain SB91T (=DSM 16624T=VKM B-2348T) as the type strain.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Reclassification of Thermoterrabacterium ferrireducens as Carboxydothermus ferrireducens comb. nov., and emended description of the genus Carboxydothermus.

Similarities in phylogeny and metabolic properties between the type species of two monospecific genera of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans and Thermoterrabacterium ferrireducens, and analysis of their recently available 16S rRNA gene sequences warranted clarification of their taxonomic positions. We have determined that the value of DNA-DNA hybridization between the type strains is 53 %. Additional physiological studies revealed that C. hydrogenoformans Z-2901(T) is capable of Fe(III) reduction with H(2) as an electron donor and ferrihydrite as an electron acceptor. T. ferrireducens JW/AS-Y7(T) is able to grow and utilize CO with ferrihydrite as an electron acceptor without hydrogen or acetate production. We therefore reclassify Thermoterrabacterium ferrireducens as Carboxydothermus ferrireducens comb. nov. (type strain JW/AS-Y7(T)=DSM 11255(T)=VKM B-2392(T)). The description of the genus Carboxydothermus is emended to include such important physiological properties as growth on organic compounds and capacity for Fe(III) reduction.

Carbon Monoxide↗

Novel psychrophilic anaerobic spore-forming bacterium from the overcooled water brine in permafrost: description Clostridium algoriphilum sp. nov.

A gram-positive, motile, strict anaerobic spore-forming bacterium was isolated from the over-cooled brine in the permafrost. The optimal temperature for isolate growth was 5-6 degrees C at pH 6.8-7.2. The bacterium was growing on the medium rich in saccharides and disaccharides. Out of polysaccharides tested, only xylan sustained the growth. Fermentation of the hexoses led to the formation of acetate, butyrate, lactate, H2,CO2 and some formate and ethanol. Cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids of the cell wall were C(14:0) and C(16:1c9). The content of G-C pairs in DNA was 31.4 mol%. As phylogenetic analysis has shown, it is closely linked to the members of cluster 1 of Clostridium. It differs from the other species of the genus by the substrates necessary for the growth, products forming as a result of the fermentation and content of the fatty acids in the cell wall. Thus, it was suggested to describe this strain as a new species named Clostridium algoriphilum. Type strain 14D1 was deposited into the Russian Collection of the Microorganisms VKM B-2271T and German Collection of the Microorganisms DSM 16153T .

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Brevundimonas mediterranea sp. nov., a non-stalked species from the Mediterranean Sea.

Six strains of Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria were isolated from the Mediterranean Sea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strains were affiliated within the alphaproteobacterial genus Brevundimonas, with Brevundimonas intermedia (99.4 %) and Brevundimonas vesicularis (99.2 %) as their closest relatives. This affiliation was supported by chemotaxonomic data (major polar lipids: phosphatidyl diacylglycerol, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol and phosphatidyl glucopyranosyl diacylglycerol; major fatty acids: C(18 : 1), C(16 : 0), C(16 : 1), C(15 : 0), C(17 : 1)omega8c, 11-Me-C(18 : 1)omega5t). The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the strains from all recognized Brevundimonas species. The strains therefore represent a novel species, for which the name Brevundimonas mediterranea sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain V4.BO.10T)(=LMG 21911T=CIP 107934T).

Caulobacteraceae↗

Dethiosulfovibrio russensis sp. nov., Dethosulfovibrio marinus sp. nov. and Dethosulfovibrio acidaminovorans sp. nov., novel anaerobic, thiosulfate- and sulfur-reducing bacteria isolated from 'Thiodendron' sulfur mats in different saline environments.

Four strains of strictly anaerobic, sulfur- and thiosulfate-reducing bacteria, SR12T, SR13, SR15T and WS100T, were isolated from 'Thiodendron' sulfur mats obtained from different saline environments. All isolates were motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming curved rods with pointed or rounded ends. The sizes of cells varied from 0.9 x 3-5 microm for strains SR12T, SR13 and SR15T to 0.9 x 4.8 microm for strain WS100T. All strains could form long spiral filamentous cells up to 70-110 microm during the early stage of growth. All strains were motile by a tumbling movement and possessed lateral flagella arranged at the concave side of cells. Incomplete cross-septa were distinctive features of all strains. Growth occurred at temperatures of 10-40 degrees C with an optimum at 28 degrees C. The pH limits for growth were 5.5 to 8.0, with optimal growth at pH 6.5-7.0. All isolates were obligately anaerobic and slightly halophilic and grew in media containing 0.5-5% NaCl with an optimum at 2% NaCl. All strains were chemoorganoheterotrophic, having a fermentative type of metabolism and utilized proteins, peptides, amino acids and some organic acids, but not sugars, fatty acids or alcohols. Some organic substrates (isoleucine, valine, alanine, glutamate) were utilized only by strain SR12T in the presence of sulfur or thiosulfate. Fermentation of citrate yielded mainly acetate, CO2 and H2. Sulfur and thiosulfate were reduced to hydrogen sulfide during the fermentation of organic substances, which increased cell yields and growth rates. Sulfate, sulfite, fumarate, nitrate, Fe2O3, MnO2, DMSO and elemental selenium were not used as electron acceptors by these strains. The G+C contents of the DNA were 51 mol% for strains SR12T, SR13 and SR15T and 52 mol% for strain WS100T. Based on morphological, physiological and phylogenetic similarities, all four isolates could be assigned to three new species of the genus Dethiosulfovibrio, named Dethiosulfovibrio russensis (type strain DSM 12538T), Dethiosulfovibrio marinus (type strain DSM 12537T) and Dethiosulfovibrio acidaminovorans (type strain DSM 12590T).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

Taxonomic study of aerobic thermophilic bacilli: descriptions of Geobacillus subterraneus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Geobacillus uzenensis sp. nov. from petroleum reservoirs and transfer of Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus thermocatenulatus, Bacillus thermoleovorans, Bacillus kaustophilus, Bacillus thermodenitrificans to Geobacillus as the new combinations G. stearothermophilus, G. th.

Five hydrocarbon-oxidizing strains were isolated from formation waters of oilfields in Russia, Kazakhstan and China. These strains were moderately thermophilic, neutrophilic, motile, spore-forming rods, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. The G+C content of their DNA ranged from 49.7 to 52.3 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7; cellular fatty acid profiles consisted of significant amounts of iso-15:0, iso-16:0 and iso-17:0 fatty acids (61.7-86.8% of the total). Based on data from 16S rDNA analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization, the subsurface isolates could be divided into two groups, one of which consisted of strains UT and X and the other of which consisted of strains K, Sam and 34T. The new strains exhibited a close phylogenetic relationship to thermophilic bacilli of 'Group 5' of Ash et al. [Ash, C., Farrow, J. A. E., Wallbanks, S. & Collins, M. D. (1991). Lett Appl Microbiol 13, 202-206] and a set of corresponding signature positions of 16S rRNA. Comparative analysis of the 16S rDNA sequences and fatty acid compositions of the novel isolates and established species of thermophilic bacilli indicated that the subsurface strains represent two new species within a new genus, for which the names Geobacillus subterraneus gen. nov., sp. nov., and Geobacillus uzenensis sp. nov. are proposed. It is also proposed that Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus thermoleovorans, Bacillus thermocatenulatus, Bacillus kaustophilus, Bacillus thermoglucosidasius and Bacillus thermodenitrificans be transferred to this new genus, with Geobacillus stearothermophilus (formerly Bacillus stearothermophilus) as the type species.

Bacillus↗

Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum gen. nov., sp. nov. and Thioalkalimicrobium sibericum sp. nov., and Thioalkalivibrio versutus gen. nov., sp. nov., Thioalkalivibrio nitratis sp.nov., novel and Thioalkalivibrio denitrificancs sp. nov., novel obligately alkaliphilic and obligately chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from soda lakes.

Forty-three strains of obligately chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were isolated from highly alkaline soda lakes in south-east Siberia (Russia) and in Kenya using a specific enrichment procedure at pH 10. The main difference between the novel isolates and known sulfur bacteria was their potential to grow and oxidize sulfur compounds at pH 10 and higher. The isolates fell into two groups that were substantially different from each other physiologically and genetically. Most of the Siberian isolates belonged to the group with a low DNA G+C content (48.0-51.2 mol%). They were characterized by a high growth rate, a low growth yield, a high cytochrome content, and high rates of oxidation of sulfide and thiosulfate. This group included 18 isolates with a DNA homology of more than 40%, and it is described here as a new genus, Thioalkalimicrobium, with two species Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum (type species) and Thioalkalimicrobium sibericum. The other isolates, mainly from Kenyan soda lakes, fell into a group with a high DNA G+C content (61.0-65.6 mol%). In general, this group was characterized by a low growth rate, a high molar growth yield and low, but relatively equal, rates of oxidation of thiosulfate, sulfide, elemental sulfur and polythionates. The group included 25 isolates with a DNA homology of more than 30%. It was less compact than Thioalkalimicrobium, containing haloalkalophilic, carotenoid-producing, nitrate-reducing and facultatively anaerobic denitrifying strains. These bacteria are proposed to be assigned to a new genus, Thioalkalivibrio, with three species Thioalkalivibrio versutus (type species), Thioalkalivibrio denitrificans and Thioalkalivibrio nitratis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both groups belong to the gamma-Proteobacteria. The Thioalkalimicrobium species were closely affiliated with the neutrophilic chemolithoautotrophic sulfur bacteria of the genus Thiomicrospira, forming a new alkaliphilic lineage in this cluster. In contrast, Thioalkalivibrio was not related to any known chemolithoautotrophic taxa, but was distantly associated with anaerobic purple sulfur bacteria of the genus Ectothiorhodospira.

Alkalies↗

Retrieval of the species Alteromonas tetraodonis Simidu et al. 1990 as Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis comb. nov. and emendation of description.

A polyphasic taxonomy study was undertaken of three strains of Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis subsp. tetraodonis (Simidu et al. 1990) Gauthier et al. 1995. DNA was prepared from each of the strains and genomic relatedness was measured by DNA-DNA hybridization. Strains KMM 458T and IAM 14160T shared 99% genetic relatedness, but were only 48-49% related to the type strain of Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis subsp. haloplanktis, IAM 12915T. The third strain, P. haloplanktis subsp. tetraodonis A-M, showed 83% genetic similarity with P. haloplanktis subsp. haloplanktis IAM 12915T and 32% with KMM 458T. From these results, it is concluded that strains KMM 458T and IAM 14160T comprise a separate species, originally described as Alteromonas tetraodonis, whereas strain A-M belongs to the species Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis. Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, genomic fingerprint patterns, DNA-DNA hybridization data and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA, it is proposed that the species Alteromonas tetraodonis be retrieved and recognized as Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis comb. nov. (type strain IAM 14160T = KMM 458T).

Alteromonas↗

Arenibacter gen. nov., new genus of the family flavobacteriaceae and description of a new species, Arenibacter latericius sp. nov.

Five dark-orange-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic bacterial strains were isolated from sandy sediment samples collected in the South China Sea in the Indian Ocean, from a holothurian, Apostichopus japonicus, in the Sea of Japan and from a brown alga, Chorda filum, from the Sea of Okhotsk in the Pacific Ocean. Phenotypic data were collected, demonstrating that the bacteria are chemo-organotrophic and require seawater-based media for growth. Polar lipids were analysed and 27% of the total extract comprised phosphatidylethanolamine as the major component. The predominant cellular fatty acids were branched-chain saturated and unsaturated [i-C15:0, i-C15:1, a-C15:0, C15:0, C16:1(n-7)]. The DNA base composition was 37.5-38.2 mol % G+C. The level of DNA homology of the five isolates was 83-94%, indicating that these isolates belong to the same species. A 16S rDNA sequence of the type strain KMM 426T was determined and phylogenetic analysis, based on neighbour-joining and Fitch-Margoliash methods, revealed that the type strain formed a distinct phyletic line in a clade corresponding to the family Flavobacteriaceae and represented a new genus. From the results of this polyphasic taxonomic analysis, it is proposed that the bacterial strains be classified in a new genus, Arenibacter gen. nov., and species, Arenibacter latericius sp. nov. The type strain is KMM 426T (VKM B 2137DT = LMG 19694T = CIP 106861T).

Animals↗

Microbial thiocyanate utilization under highly alkaline conditions.

Three kinds of alkaliphilic bacteria able to utilize thiocyanate (CNS-) at pH 10 were found in highly alkaline soda lake sediments and soda soils. The first group included obligate heterotrophs that utilized thiocyanate as a nitrogen source while growing at pH 10 with acetate as carbon and energy sources. Most of the heterotrophic strains were able to oxidize sulfide and thiosulfate to tetrathionate. The second group included obligately autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing alkaliphiles which utilized thiocyanate nitrogen during growth with thiosulfate as the energy source. Genetic analysis demonstrated that both the heterotrophic and autotrophic alkaliphiles that utilized thiocyanate as a nitrogen source were related to the previously described sulfur-oxidizing alkaliphiles belonging to the gamma subdivision of the division Proteobacteria (the Halomonas group for the heterotrophs and the genus Thioalkalivibrio for autotrophs). The third group included obligately autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing alkaliphilic bacteria able to utilize thiocyanate as a sole source of energy. These bacteria could be enriched on mineral medium with thiocyanate at pH 10. Growth with thiocyanate was usually much slower than growth with thiosulfate, although the biomass yield on thiocyanate was higher. Of the four strains isolated, the three vibrio-shaped strains were genetically closely related to the previously described sulfur-oxidizing alkaliphiles belonging to the genus Thioalkalivibrio. The rod-shaped isolate differed from the other isolates by its ability to accumulate large amounts of elemental sulfur inside its cells and by its ability to oxidize carbon disulfide. Despite its low DNA homology with and substantial phenotypic differences from the vibrio-shaped strains, this isolate also belonged to the genus Thioalkalivibrio according to a phylogenetic analysis. The heterotrophic and autotrophic alkaliphiles that grew with thiocyanate as an N source possessed a relatively high level of cyanase activity which converted cyanate (CNO-) to ammonia and CO2. On the other hand, cyanase activity either was absent or was present at very low levels in the autotrophic strains grown on thiocyanate as the sole energy and N source. As a result, large amounts of cyanate were found to accumulate in the media during utilization of thiocyanate at pH 10 in batch and thiocyanate-limited continuous cultures. This is a first direct proof of a "cyanate pathway" in pure cultures of thiocyanate-degrading bacteria. Since it is relatively stable under alkaline conditions, cyanate is likely to play a role as an N buffer that keeps the alkaliphilic bacteria safe from inhibition by free ammonia, which otherwise would reach toxic levels during dissimilatory degradation of thiocyanate.

Alkalies↗

Acetobacterium tundrae sp nov, a new psychrophilic acetogenic bacterium from tundra soil.

A new psychrophilic, anaerobic, acetogenic bacterium from the tundra wetland soil of Polar Ural is described. The organism fermented H2/CO2, formate, methanol, and several sugars to acetate as the sole end-product. The temperature range for growth was 1-30 degrees C with an optimum at 20 degrees C. The bacterium showed no growth at 32 degrees C. Cells were gram-positive, oval-shaped, flagellated rods 0.7-1.l x 1.1-4.0 microm in size when grown at 1-20 degrees C. At 25-30 degrees C, the cell size increased up to 2-3 x 10-15 microm due to a defect in cell division. The DNA G+C content of the organism was 39.2 mol%. Based upon 16S rDNA analysis and DNA-DNA reassociation studies, the organism was classified in the genus Acetobacterium as a new species, for which the name Acetobacterium tundrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z-4493 (=DSM 9173T).

Acetates↗

Natronoincola histidinovorans gen. nov., sp. nov., A new alkaliphilic acetogenic anaerobe.

Two strains, asporogenous Z-7940 and sporogenous Z-7939, of a moderately haloalkaliphilic, obligately anaerobic, fermentative bacteria, motile, with Gram-positive cell wall structure, were isolated from soda deposits in Lake Magadi, Kenya. Both strains are mesophilic and utilize only two amino acids, histidine and glutamate, with formation of acetate and ammonium as the main end products. Strain Z-7939 in addition is able to utilize pyruvate. DNA-DNA homology between strains Z-7940 and Z-7939 was 94%, indicating that in spite of phenotypic differences they belong to the same species. They are true alkaliphiles with a pH range for growth of the type strain Z-7940 from pH 8.0 to pH 10.5, optimum at pH 9.4. Both strains obligately depend on sodium and bicarbonate ions. The optimum salt concentration for growth of the type strain is 8-10% wt/vol and the range from 4% to 16%. The G+C content of strain Z-7940 is 31.9 mol% and the strain Z-7939 is 32.3 mol%. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequence of the type strain shows it to belong to cluster XI of the low G+C Gram-positive bacteria. On the basis of its distinct phylogenetic position and physiological properties, we propose a new genus and new species Natronoincola histidinovorans for these strains. The type strain is Z-7940 (=DSM 11416).

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Thermococcus gorgonarius sp. nov. and Thermococcus pacificus sp. nov.: heterotrophic extremely thermophilic archaea from New Zealand submarine hot vents.

Two extremely thermophilic archaea, designated W-12 and P-4, were isolated from a geothermal vent in the tidal zone of Whale Island, New Zealand, and from geothermally heated bottom deposits of the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, respectively. Cells of isolate W-12 are irregular cocci, 0.3-1.2 microns in diameter, motile with polar flagella. The cell envelope consists of one layer of subunits with a major protein of M(r) 75,000. Cells produce protrusions of different kinds: prostheca-like, chains of bubbles, or network of fimbriae. Cells of isolate P-4 are regular cocci, 0.7-1.0 micron in diameter, motile with polar flagella. The cell envelope consists of two layers of subunits; its major protein has an M(r) of 56,000. Both organisms are obligate anaerobes, fermenting peptides in the case of strain W-12, or peptides and starch in the case of P-4. Elemental sulfur is required for growth and is reduced to hydrogen sulfide. The optimal growth temperature of the new isolates is in the range 80-88 degrees C. The optimal growth pH is 6.5-7.2. The G + C content of the DNA of strain W-12 is 50.6 mol%, and of strain P-4 is 53.3 mol%. Based on physiological characteristics, 165 rDNA sequence comparison and DNA base composition, the new isolates were considered to be members of the genus Thermococcus. The low level of DNA-DNA hybridization with the type strains of other Thermococcus species confirms the novel species status of the new isolates. The new isolates are described as Thermococcus gorgonarius sp. nov., with type strain W-12 (= DSM 10395T), and Thermococcus pacificus sp. nov., with type strain P-4 (= DSM 10394T).

Cell Membrane↗

Identification of Bacillus sp. FTU strain and the study of the caa3-type oxidase homology.

The culture, morphology, and genome of alkalo- and halotolerant bacterial strain Bacillus sp. FTU were characterized; the strain is compared to other representatives of genus Bacillus. The DNA-DNA hybridization data indicate that the strains of Bacillus halodurans DSM 497 and DSM 2513 and Bacillus sp. FTU belong to the same species. Bacillus sp. FTU can be renamed to Bacillus halodurans FTU. The N-terminal amino acid fragments of the subunits I and II of the terminal caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase of B. halodurans FTU were sequenced. The N-terminal fragments of this enzyme and of the caa3-type oxidase of alkalophilic Bacillus firmus OF4 are highly homologous (homology of subunits I and II is over 90 and over 96%, respectively). Such high homology of the terminal oxidases of these bacteria might be due to their alkaline medium.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Spirochaeta alkalica sp. nov., Spirochaeta africana sp. nov., and Spirochaeta asiatica sp. nov., alkaliphilic anaerobes from the Continental Soda Lakes in Central Asia and the East African Rift.

During a study of microbial communities in athalassic bodies of water, three new species within the genus Spirochaeta were described. These are alkaliphilic Spirochaeta alkalica sp. nov. Z-7491 (DSM 8900) and halophilic S. africana sp. nov. Z-7692 (DSM 8902) from the soda-depositing Lake Magadi in Central Africa and haloalkaliphilic S. asiatica sp. nov. Z-7591 (DSM 8901) from Lake Khatyn, Central Asia. These mesophilic spirochetes develop at pHs of > 9 as anaerobic saccharolytic dissipotrophs. The DNA base compositions (moles percent G+C) of the strains were as follows: S. alkalica Z-7491, 57.1; S. africana Z-7692, 56.1; and S. asiatica Z-7591, 49.2. The optimum growth parameters (temperature, pH, and NaCl concentration [percent, wt/vol], respectively) were as follows: for S. alkalica Z-7491, 35 degrees C, 9.2, and 5 to 7%; for S. africana Z-7692, 35 degrees C, 9.3, and 5 to 7%; and for S. asiatica Z-7591, 35 degrees C, 8.9, and 3 to 6%. The products of glucose fermentation were acetate, hydrogen, ethanol, and lactate, in different proportions, for S. alkalica and S. africana; for S. asiatica, they were acetate, ethanol, and lactate. S. asiatica is strictly anaerobic, while S. alkalica and S. africana are rather aerotolerant. All three species group within the radiation of the majority of the species of the genus Spirochaeta. Studies of the genes encoding 16S rRNA indicate a possible fanning out of the phylogenetic tree of spirochetes.

Africa, Eastern↗

DNA relatedness among some thermophilic members of the genus Methanobacterium: emendation of the species Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum and rejection of Methanobacterium thermoformicicum as a synonym of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

DNA reassociation was used to determine levels of relatedness among four thermophilic Methanobacterium strains that are able to use formate and between these organisms and two representative strains of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, strain delta HT (= DSM 1053T = ATCC 29096T) (T = type strain) and strain Marburg (= DSM 2133). Three homology groups were delineated, and these groups coincided with the clusters identified by antigenic fingerprinting. The first group, which had levels of cross hybridization that ranged from 73 to 99%, included M. thermoautotrophicum delta HT, Methanobacterium thermoformicicum Z-245, Methanobacterium sp. strain THF, and Methanobacterium sp. strain FTF. The second and third groups were each represented by only one strain, Methanobacterium sp. strain CB-12 and M. thermoautotrophicum Marburg, respectively (cross-hybridization levels, 13 to 30 and 29 to 33%, respectively). Our results indicate that the name M. thermoformicicum should be rejected as it is a synonym of M. thermoautotrophicum. The taxonomic positions of strains Marburg and CB-12 need further investigation.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

[Nucleotide composition and the level of DNA homology in a number of Bacillus diasticus strains].

The base composition of DNA and DNA homology of a number of strains Bacillus diastaticus differing in the intensity of the amilase synthesis and some phenotipic properties have been studied. The differences in the base composition of DNA have not been found. All stains studied are characterized by the high rate of DNA homology. B. diastaticus and B. stearothermophilus have been established to be genetically similar.

Bacillus↗

[Comparison of different methods of introducing a label into the DNA of microorganisms].

Different methods of isotope introduction into plasmid and chromosomal DNA have been compared. The efficiency of label introduction into DNA was estimated by the results of DNA--DNA hybridisation and by the thermostability of hybrid duplexes. Using the enzymatic methods of label introduction levels of DNA specific radioactivity and label binding in homologous and heterologous reactions were close. DNA labeled by the method of enzymatic methylation forms more thermostable hybrid duplexes than "nick-translation" DNA. The advantages of enzymatic methods of label introduction for creating a microorganism reference DNA bank are discussed.

Bacillus subtilis↗