[Lipids of saprophytic bacteria produced during growth on a complex organic substrate]

The composition of lipids and the structure of mycolic acids were studied in Mycobacterium lacticolum var. aliphaticum isolated from soil and grown on MPB. The lipids of all strains were found to contain phosphatidyl inositol mannosides, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, cardiolipin, mycolic and common fatty acids, triglycerides, wax, and several unidentified compounds. The structure of mycolic acids was established by mass spectrometry. The mycolic acids C34:0, C35:0 and C36:0 prevailed in strain 175, and the mycolic acids C34:1, C34:0, C36:1 and C36:0 predominated in strain 180. The composition of minor components was assayed. Variations in the composition of mycolic acids depending on the source of carbon in the medium are discussed.