[Taxonomy of Bacillus circulans].

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology

Background:

• Bacillus circulans sensu stricto is a bacterial species.
• Understanding its metabolic capabilities and genetic makeup is crucial for taxonomic and ecological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively characterize four strains of Bacillus circulans sensu stricto.
• To determine their metabolic profiles, including carbon source utilization.
• To ascertain their DNA guanine-plus-cytosine (G+C) content.

Main Methods:

• Subjected four B. circulans s. s. strains (ATCC 4513, 4515, 4516, 4530) to 236 morphological, biochemical, and physiological tests.
• Included 162 tests specifically for carbon source utilization.
• Determined DNA G+C content for the four strains.

Main Results:

• B. circulans s. s. strains are facultative anaerobes capable of carbohydrate fermentation.
• Utilized various carbohydrates and some aliphatic acids as sole carbon and energy sources.
• Did not utilize amino acids as sole carbon and energy sources.
• The DNA G+C content was 37.2 +/- 0.4 mol%.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed phenotypic and genotypic characterization of B. circulans s. s.
• Confirms its ability to ferment carbohydrates and utilize specific carbon sources.
• The determined DNA G+C content adds to the species' taxonomic data.