Abstract
Ten reference strains of the genus Sphaerotilus and five isolates of filamentous bacteria obtained from activated sludge and morphologically assigned to the genus Sphaerotilus were studied for cellular fatty acid composition, quinone type, physiological characteristics and protein profiles. All strains had the Q-8 ubiquinone as the major quinone. The main components of cellular fatty acids in all strains were the straight chain unsaturated acid 16:1 and saturated acid 16:0. All strains contained the hydroxylated fatty acid 3-OH 10:0, sometimes only in minor amounts or traces. Analysis of physiological properties showed phenotypic homogeneity among the tested organisms. From 240 tested organic compounds, several sugars, organic acids and aromatic compounds could be utilized as sole carbon source. A clear differentiation from strains belonging to the morphological similar genus Leptothrix was possible with several carbon source utilization tests. Standardized protein profiles of the isolates were also very similar indicating a high degree of homogeneity. The results of the chemotaxonomic characterization are in line with the phylogenetic allocation of the genus Sphaerotilus within the Rubrivivax subdivison of the β subclass of the Proteobacteria .
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
