Abstract
DNA hybridization experiments showed that there was a high degree of homology amongVitreoscilla strains but not with DNA fromFilibacter limicola. Flexibacter spp were much more heterogeneous indicating a low genetic similarity. These results were also reflected in the membrane fatty acids of the bacteria. TheVitreoscilla strains were very similar with the 16:1ω7c fatty acid being dominant. The membrane fatty acids ofF. limicola were dominated by a15:0 and a17:0 components which provided additional support for its relatedness to the genusBacillus. There was much greater diversity in the fatty acid patterns of theFlexibacter spp.F. aurantiacus, F. ruber andF. elegans shared the common dominant fatty acids 16:1ω7c with theVitreoscilla strains, but this was replaced by the 16:1ω6c acid inF. flexilis. F. ruber was distinguished by the absence of branched odd-chain monounsaturated fatty acids andF. elegans by the dominance of the β-OH i15:0 acid. Precise determination of fatty acid double bond positions and geometry are essential for correct interpretation of increasingly complex ecological and taxonomic data sets.
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