Identification of Microorganisms by Their Purine and Pyrimidine Content.
Abstract
Methods have been studied for identifying microorganisms by means of their nucleic acid base ratio patterns. Field ionization mass spectrometry techniques are employed which potentially allow the analysis of underrivatized free bases from 10000 bacteria with 1% precision. Techniques are described for isolating DNA and RNA from small quantities of bacteria in 1-1/2 hours. A hydrolysis technique using liquid HF was developed that quantitatively releases the bases from DNA in 8 minutes at 25 C or from RNA in 16 minutes at 35 C. No destruction of purines is observed with this technique. Small quantities of bacteria can be analyzed by using E. coli labeled with N(15) as a 'carrier' during the isolation and hydrolysis procedures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA041029
Entities
People
- Gary L. Gonser
- Henry D'a. Heck
- James H. Mcreynolds
- Michael Anbar
Organizations
- SRI International