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Temperature Ranges, Growth Optima, and Growth Rates of Spiroplasma (Spiroplasmataceae, class Mollicutes) Species
1Insect Biocontrol Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 465 BARCE, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
Current Microbiology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
A new method accurately measures spiroplasma doubling times. Spiroplasma growth ranges from 5-41°C, with optimal temperatures varying by strain, reflecting diverse environmental exposures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Spiroplasmas are helical, wall-less bacteria that inhabit arthropods and plants.
- Understanding spiroplasma growth dynamics is crucial for studying their ecology and pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a novel method for determining spiroplasma doubling times.
- To characterize the temperature-dependent growth range and optimal growth temperatures for various spiroplasma strains.
Main Methods:
- A new method based on medium acidification in tenfold dilution series was employed.
- Doubling times were measured across a temperature gradient (5°C to 43°C) for 64 spiroplasma strains, including eight putative new groups.
Main Results:
- Spiroplasma growth occurred between 5°C and 41°C, with no growth at 43°C.
- Optimal growth temperatures varied, with 23 strains at 30°C, 29 at 32°C, and 13 at 37°C.
- The fastest growing strain (MQ-4) had a doubling time of 0.6 h, while the slowest (B655) had 36.7 h. Strain B31 exhibited the widest thermal range (5°C-41°C).
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides an efficient means to determine spiroplasma doubling times.
- The broad temperature tolerance observed in spiroplasmas likely reflects adaptation to diverse host environments.
- These findings contribute to a better understanding of spiroplasma physiology and their ecological adaptability.