Investigation of the lipids of saprophytic mycobacteria in the U.S.S.R

Three trends in the investigations of the specific lipids of rhodococci and related microorganisms are reflected: isolation and structural determination of new complex lipids, elucidation of the role of specific lipids in the cells and application of lipid composition for diagnostic studies of rhodococci and related organisms. Two groups of peptidolipids, differing in chromatographic mobility and peptide chain structure, have been found in the cells of Rhodococcus erythropolis. The compounds within each group differ in acyl moieties. Three peptidolipids of the polar group include glucose, so they are peptidoglycolipids. Glycolipids are represented by trehalose derivates. Trehalose dimycolate (cord factor) is dominant. Data concerning the role of lipids in typical features of rhodococci as the lipophilic cell wall, the ability to up-take a hydrophobic substrate and the resistance to influences from outside are given. Examples of application of mycolic acid composition in taxonomy of rhodococci and morphologically similar bacteria are given.