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Phenotypic switching of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans
1Department of Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180-3590.
Journal of Bacteriology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
New solid media support the growth of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, enabling the study of large spreading colony (LSC) variants. These variants utilize thiosulfate but not iron, exhibiting unique spreading motility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Physiology
Background:
- Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is an acidophilic bacterium crucial in bioleaching.
- Studying spontaneous variants aids in understanding bacterial adaptation and genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop solid media for Thiobacillus ferrooxidans growth.
- To characterize novel large spreading colony (LSC) variants of T. ferrooxidans.
Main Methods:
- Development of two solid medium formulations (100:10 and 10:10) with ferrous iron and thiosulfate.
- Isolation and characterization of spontaneous T. ferrooxidans variants.
- Morphological and physiological analysis of LSC variants.
- Southern blot hybridization to confirm variant identity.
Main Results:
- The 100:10 and 10:10 media facilitated the detection of colony morphology variants.
- LSC variants were identified, lacking iron oxidation but retaining thiosulfate/tetrathionate utilization.
- LSC colonies exhibited monolayer spreading on solid media.
- LSC variants showed reversion to wild-type characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The developed solid media are effective for studying T. ferrooxidans variants.
- LSC variants represent a distinct phenotypic class with altered metabolic capabilities and motility.
- Southern blot confirmed the genetic relationship between LSC variants and the wild-type strain.
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