- Volume 19, Issue 2, 1969

From a collection of several hundred strains of bacteria from marine sources were selected 57 for determination of DNA base composition. Each strain is classified as to Na+ requirement, flagellation, somatic shape and aggregation, nature of carbohydrate metabolism, and mol % GC in the DNA. Other phenotypic characteristics did not show any apparent correlation with the mol % GC and are not included.

Typical marine bacteria with polar flagella, without somatic aggregation, showed a mol % GC in the same 40 to 50 range as phenotypically similar terrestrial (non-marine) types of the genus Vibrio, but distinctly lower than the comparable terrestrial types in the genera Aeromonas and Pseudomonas. The mol % GC of the peritrichous flagellate group of marine origin (few of which were typically marine) was distinctly higher (49–67) than that of the phenotypically similar polar flagellate marine group but only slightly lower, if any, than phenotypically similar terrestrial types such as Agrobacterium spp., Alcaligenes spp., etc.

A general statement may be made that among bacteria of marine origin: 1) the nonaggregating polar flagellate group showed a lower mol % GC than corresponding peritrichous flagellate group; 2) bacteria with the higher Na+ requirement in general showed a lower mol % G C.

The holotype strain of this genus is Coleman’s strain ‘DL,’ NCIB 8 452. Coleman’s strain 42 is a cotype strain with the NCIB number 10, 149.

In a taxonomic study of 35 “violetspored” streptomycetes certain essential differences were encountered among the different members. When the organisms were classified according to their sporophore morphology and spore surface configuration, they formed two distinct groupings. One of the groups was already represented by the species Streptomyces violascens Gauze; however, the other group contained organisms heretofore undescribed in the taxonomic literature. A new species Streptomyces wistariopsis is, therefore, proposed and described to represent this group.

The physiological and morphological homogeneity of this group of bacteria is in conformity with a relatively narrow range of DNA base ratios and is in marked contrast to the diversity of nomenclature that has been applied to them. They are Gram-positive cocci with a strong tendency toward tetrad formation. They produce little or no anaerobic growth in shake cultures yet lack a porphyrin respiratory system and produce hydrogen peroxide which restricts their aerobic growth. Their DNA has a base ratio of 37-41% GC. They are variously known as Gaffkya homari, Pediococcus homari, or Aerococcus viridans. Their correct name must await action of the Judicial Commission regarding rejection of the generic name Gaffkya.

The strain 333/54-55, a facultatively anaerobic strain from the collection studied by Eiken, is designated as the type strain of Bacteroides corrodens. The strain has been deposited in the National Collection of Type Cultures and in the American Type Culture Collection.

The morphological and physiological characteristics of 14 strains of Alcaligenes odorans var. viridans Mitchell and Clarke (1965), are described and more than 65 characters of the strains recorded. Peritrichous flagellation was demonstrated. These itrains produce a distinct aromatic odor on culture media and a dark green discoloration of blood agar. Growth occurs in a basal mineral medium containing inorganic nitrogen as the nitrogen source supplemented by a suitable single carbon compound. The physiological differences between these strains and the type strain (NCTC 10388) of Mitchell and Clarke are pointed out.

Amendments are proposed to Principle 11 and Rule 9 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria which should serve to correct the present ambiguous, misleading, and erroneous language regarding nomenclatural types (nomenifers).