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Abstract
SUMMARY: Fourteen previously unstudied strains of the genus Desulfovibrio and eight thermophilic strains of the genus Desulfotomaculum were allotted to species on the results of physiological and biochemical tests.
On DNA base composition the Desulfovibrio strains fell clearly into three groups, corresponding to Dv. salexigens, Dv. desulfuricans and Dv. vulgaris. NaCl-dependence appeared to be a constant and unique feature of Dv. salexigens strains, and ‘sulphate-free’ growth on pyruvate a constant characteristic of Dv. desulfuricans, although one strain of Dv. vulgaris also dismuted pyruvate. Fumarate dismutation showed no species correlation. ‘Sulphate-free’ growth on choline was often minimal and the test appeared to be of little value. A high degree of resistance to Hibitane was not a constant characteristic of Dv. salexigens.
The thermophilic strains showed great uniformity in DNA base composition, Hibitane resistance and ‘sulphate-free’ growth, and were all classified as Desulfotomaculum nigrificans.
- Accepted:
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