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Characterization of a new mesophilic, secondary alcohol-utilizing methanogen, Methanobacterium palustre spec. nov. from a peat bog

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Abstract

The isolation and characterization of a new methanogen from a peat bog, Methanobacterium palustre spec. nov., strain F, is described. Strain F grew on H2/CO2 and formate in complex medium. It also grew autotrophically on H2/CO2. Furthermore, growth on 2-propanol/CO2 was observed. Methane was formed from CO2 by oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone or 2-butanol to 2-butanone, but growth on 2-butanol plus CO2 apparently was too little to be measurable. Similarly, Methanobacterium bryantii M. o. H. and M. o. H. G formed acetone and 2-butanone from 2-propanol and 2-butanol, but no growth was measurable.

On the basis of morphological and biochemical features strain F could be excluded from the genus Methanobrevibacter. Due to its cell morphology, lipid composition and polyamine pattern it belonged to the genus Methanobacterium. From known members of this genus strain F could be distinguished either by a different G+C content of the DNA, low DNA-DNA homology with reference strains, lacking serological reactions with anti-S probes and differences in the substrate spectrum.

An alcohol dehydrogenase activity, specific for secondary alcohols and its substrate specificity was determined in crude extracts of strain F. NADP+ was the only electron carrier that was utilized. No reaction was found with NAD+, F420, FMN and FAD.

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Abbreviations

NAD+ :

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

NADH2 :

reduced form of NAD+

NADP+ :

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

NADPH2 :

reduced form of NADP+

FMN:

flavin adenine mononucleotide

FAD:

flavin adenine dinucleotide

ADH:

alcohol dehydrogenase

F420 :

8-hydroxy-7,8-didemethyl-5-deazaflavin

SSC:

standard saline citrate (0.15 M NaCl, 0.015 M trisodium citrate, pH 7.5)

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Author notes

  1. B. J. Tindall

    Present address: Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, D-3300, Braunschweig, FRG

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-8400, Regensburg, Federal Republic of Germany

    G. Zellner, K. Bleicher, E. Braun & J. Winter

  2. Institut für Biotechnologie, Institut III, Kernforschungsanlage Jülich GmbH, D-5170, Jülich, Federal Republic of Germany

    H. Kneifel

  3. Institut für Mikrobiologie, Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 167, D-5300, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany

    B. J. Tindall

  4. Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, 12201, Albany, NY, USA

    E. Conway de Macario

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  1. G. Zellner
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Zellner, G., Bleicher, K., Braun, E. et al. Characterization of a new mesophilic, secondary alcohol-utilizing methanogen, Methanobacterium palustre spec. nov. from a peat bog. Arch. Microbiol. 151, 1–9 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00444660

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00444660

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