Caulobacters in the Marine Environment.
Abstract
Marine Caulobacters elaborate a cellular stalk and attach to surfaces via an adhesion organelle (the holdfast) at the tip of the stalk. This study focuses on this group of bacteria as an example of microbial biofouling and describes the isolation and preliminary characterization of new strains of marine Caulobacters. Caulobacters could be isolated from all marine sampling locations. Strains were distinguishable by a variety of morphological and biochemical criteria. All required at least some percentage of seawater in the growth medium. About 60% of the isolates showed that all bound the lectin wheat germ agglutinin in preference to a group of other lectins, indicating the presence of N-acetylglucosamine. In contrast, a group of freshwater Caulobacters showed more diversity in holdfast composition, based on analysis with a panel of lectins. In all Caulobacters tested, the holdfast also bound to particles of colloidal gold and silver. Initial work in genetic cloning capabilities of marine Caulobacters is presented, with the longterm goals of using this technology in analysis of holdfast compostion and regulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA184786
Entities
People
- John Smit
Organizations
- University of California