Scott Smith

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Meganathan, Rangaswamy

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

An unknown bacterium, designated AM-6, was isolated from soil near Montgomery Hall and characterized by analysis of its molecular, chemical, morphological and physiological properties. Research techniques from a wide array of biology and chemistry fields were utilized in order to obtain complete analysis of the bacterium. Phylogenetic examination of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the bacterium was a member of the genus Micrococcus. The strain’s 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with other species in the genus Micrococcus ranged from 97.94%-99.93%. The physiological properties of AM-6 differed from other Micrococcus species. Major cellular fatty acids of strain AM-6 were iso-Ci5:o(16%) and anteiso-C15;o(71.1%). AM-6 was found to contain MK-8(H2) and MK-9(H2) as the respiratory quinones. The bacterium contained a large plasmid; the exact size of it is yet to be determined. Elimination of the plasmid resulted in white colonies and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that these white colonies are identical to the pareht strain. The plasmid-encoded genes involved in carotenoid (pigment) biosynthesis, are yet to be identified. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data available AM-6 cannot be definitively labeled as a new species at this time. Further analysis is required to prove the novelty of this strain.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

15 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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