Effect of sodium chloride on growth of heterotrophic marine bacteria

Influence of the Intrinsic Characteristics of Cementitious Materials on Biofouling in the Marine Environment

Coastal marine ecosystems provide essential benefits and services to humanity, but many are rapidly degrading. Human activities are leading to significant land take along coastlines and to major changes in ecosystems. Ecological engineering tools capable of promoting large-scale restoration of coastal ecosystems are needed today in the face of intensifying climatic stress and human activities. Concrete is one of the materials most commonly used in the construction of coastal and marine infrastructure. Immersed in seawater, concretes are rapidly colonized by microorganisms and macroorganisms. Surface colonization and subsequent biofilm and biofouling formation provide numerous advantages to these organisms and support critical ecological and biogeochemical functions in the changing marine environment. The new challenge of the 21st century is to develop innovative concretes that, in addition to their usual properties, provide improved bioreceptivity in order to enhance marine biodiversity. The aim of this study is to master and clarify the intrinsic parameters that influence the bioreceptivity (biocolonization) of cementitious materials in the marine environment. By coupling biofilm (culture-based methods) and biofouling (image-analysis-based method and wet-/dry-weight biomass measurement) quantification techniques, this study showed that the application of a curing compound to the concrete surface reduced the biocolonization of cementitious materials in seawater, whereas green formwork oil had the opposite effect. This study also found that certain surface conditions (faceted and patterned surface, rough surface) promote the bacterial and macroorganism colonization of cementitious materials. Among the parameters examined, surface roughness proved to be the factor that promotes biocolonization most effectively. These results could be taken up in future recommendations to enable engineers to eco-design more eco-friendly marine infrastructure and develop green-engineering projects.

Environmental Regulation of the Distribution and Ecology of Bdellovibrio and Like Organisms

The impact of key environmental factors, salinity, prey, and temperature, on the survival and ecology of Bdellovibrio and like bacteria (BALOs), including the freshwater/terrestrial, non-halotolerant group and the halophilic Halobacteriovorax strains, has been assessed based on a review of data in the literature. These topics have been studied by numerous investigators for nearly six decades now, and much valuable information has been amassed and reported. The collective data shows that salinity, prey, and temperature play a major role in, not only the growth and survival of BALOs, but also the structure and composition of BALO communities and the distribution of the predators. Salinity is a major determinant in the selection of BALO habitats, distribution, prey bacteria, and systematics. Halophilic BALOs require salt for cellular functions and are found only in saltwater habitats, and prey primarily on saltwater bacteria. To the contrary, freshwater/terrestrial BALOs are non-halotolerant and inhibited by salt concentrations greater than 0.5%, and are restricted to freshwater, soils, and other low salt environments. They prey preferentially on bacteria in the same habitats. The halophilic BALOs are further separated on the basis of their tolerance to various salt concentrations. Some strains are found in low salt environments and others in high salt regions. In situ studies have demonstrated that salinity gradients in estuarine systems govern the type of BALO communities that will persist within a specific gradient. Bacterial prey for BALOs functions more than just being a substrate for the predators and include the potential for different prey species to structure the BALO community at the phylotype level. The pattern of susceptibility or resistance of various bacteria species has been used almost universally to differentiate strains of new BALO isolates. However, the method suffers from a lack of uniformity among different laboratories. The use of molecular methods such as comparative analysis of the 16S rDNA gene and metagenomics have provided more specific approaches to distinguished between isolates. Differences in temperature growth range among different BALO groups and strains have been demonstrated in many laboratory experiments. The temperature optima and growth range for the saltwater BALOs is typically lower than that of the freshwater/terrestrial BALOs. The collective data shows not only that environmental factors have a great impact on BALO ecology, but also how the various factors affect BALO populations in nature.

Hydrostatic pressure- and halotolerance of Photobacterium phosphoreum and P. carnosum isolated from spoiled meat and salmon

Photobacterium spp. occur frequently in marine environments but have been recently also found as common spoilers on chilled meats. The environmental conditions in these ecological niches differ especially regarding salinity and ambient pressure. Linking the occurrence of photobacteria in different niches may elucidate its ecology and bring insights for the food industry. We investigated tolerance of Photobacterium (P.) phosphoreum and P. carnosum strains to high hydrostatic pressure and salinity and aligned our observations with presence of relevant genes. The strains were isolated from packaged meats and salmon (or the sea) to identify adaptations to marine and terrestrial habitats. Growth of all P. carnosum strains was reduced by 40 MPa hydrostatic pressure and >3% sodium chloride, suggesting loss of traits associated with marine habitats. In contrast, P. phosphoreum strains were only slightly affected, suggesting general adaptation to marine habitats. In accordance, these strains had gene clusters associated with marine niches, e.g. flagellar and lux-operons, being incomplete in P. carnosum. Occurrence of P. carnosum strains on packaged salmon and P. phosphoreum strains on meats therefore likely results from cross-contamination in meat and fish processing. Still, these strains showed intermediate traits regarding pressure- and halotolerance, suggesting developing adaptation to their respective environment.

Vibrio fischeri-derived outer membrane vesicles trigger host development

Outer membrane vesicles (OMV) are critical elements in many host-cell/microbe interactions. Previous studies of the symbiotic association between Euprymna scolopes and Vibrio fischeri had shown that within 12 h of colonizing crypts deep within the squid's light organ, the symbionts trigger an irreversible programme of tissue development in the host. Here, we report that OMV produced by V. fischeri are powerful contributors to this process. The first detectable host response to the OMV is an increased trafficking of macrophage-like cells called haemocytes into surface epithelial tissues. We showed that exposing the squid to other Vibrio species fails to induce this trafficking; however, addition of a high concentration of their OMV, which can diffuse into the crypts, does. We also provide evidence that tracheal cytotoxin released by the symbionts, which can induce haemocyte trafficking, is not part of the OMV cargo, suggesting two distinct mechanisms to induce the same morphogenesis event. By manipulating the timing and localization of OMV signal delivery, we showed that haemocyte trafficking is fully induced only when V. fischeri, the sole species able to reach and grow in the crypts, succeeds in establishing a sustained colonization. Further, our data suggest that the host's detection of OMV serves as a symbiotic checkpoint prior to inducing irreversible morphogenesis.

Occurrence and Characterization of a Phosphoenolpyruvate: Glucose Phosphotransferase System in a Marine Bacterium, Serratia marinorubra

The mechanism of d-glucose transport in the marine bacterium Serratia marinorubra was investigated. Uptake is mediated by a single, constitutive phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS), resulting in phosphorylation of d-glucose to d-glucose phosphate during transport. The system is saturable (K(m) = 6.4 x 10 M) and highly temperature dependent, with a Q(10) of 3.5 between 5 and 15 degrees C. The system is highly specific for d-glucose; structurally related sugars and sugar alcohols did not significantly compete with d-glucose for transport. The PTS requires Mg (K(m) = 2.5 x 10 M), but its activity is otherwise unaffected by salinity changes over the range tested (0 to 35 per thousand). S. marinorubra differs from other gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) in that its glycerol (non-PTS substrate) permease is not regulated by the presence of glucose (PTS substrate).

Influence of Environmental Factors and Medium Composition on Vibrio gazogenes Growth and Prodigiosin Production

Vibrio gazogenes ATCC 29988 growth and prodigiosin synthesis were studied in batch culture on complex and defined media and in chemostat cultures on defined medium. In batch culture on complex medium, a maximum growth rate of 0.75 h and a maximum prodigiosin concentration of 80 ng of prodigiosin . mg of cell protein were observed. In batch culture on defined medium, maximum growth rates were lower (maximum growth rate, 0.40 h), and maximum prodigiosin concentrations were higher (1,500 ng . mg of protein). In batch culture on either complex or defined medium, growth was characterized by a period of logarithmic growth followed by a period of linear growth; on either medium, prodigiosin biosynthesis was maximum during linear growth. In batch culture on defined medium, the initial concentration of glucose optimal for growth and pigment production was 3.0%; higher levels of glucose suppressed synthesis of the pigment. V. gazogenes had an absolute requirement for Na; optimal growth occurred in the presence of 100 mM NaCl. Increases in the concentration of Na up to 600 mM resulted in further increases in the concentration of pigment in the broth. Prodigiosin was synthesized at a maximum level in the presence of inorganic phosphate concentrations suboptimal for growth. Concentrations of KH(2)PO(4) above 0.4 mM caused decreased pigment synthesis, whereas maximum cell growth occurred at 1.0 mM. Optimal growth and pigment production occurred in the presence of 8 to 16 mg of ferric ion . liter, with higher concentrations proving inhibitory to both growth and pigment production. Both growth and pigment production were found to decrease with increased concentrations of p-aminobenzoic acid. The highest specific concentration of prodigiosin (3,480 ng . mg protein) was observed in chemostat cultures at a dilution rate of 0.057 h. The specific rate of prodigiosin production at this dilution rate was approximately 80% greater than that observed in batch culture on defined medium. At dilution rates greater than 0.057 h, the concentration of cells decreased with increasing dilution rate, resulting in a profile comparable to that expected for linear growth kinetics. No explanation could be found for the linear growth profiles obtained for both batch and chemostat cultures.

Observations on the distinction between oligotrophic and eutrophic marine bacteria

The nutritional requirements of two marine bacteria designated as oligotrophic because they could grow on media containing 10 mg of C per liter supplied as peptone and two classified as eutrophic because they could grow only at higher concentrations of C supplied as peptone were examined. Each of the four organisms was found to have its own unique group of compounds which could serve either individually or in combination as sources of carbon and energy for growth. When the peptone in the medium was replaced by another appropriate source of carbon and energy, the difference in the capacity of the organisms examined to grow at 10 mg of C per liter disappeared, and all four organisms could be described as being oligotrophic. Some of the organisms required a low concentration of one specific carbon source but a higher concentration of another. One of the organisms was inhibited by high concentrations of one specific carbon source but not by another. The observations indicate that current methods of enumeration based on the capacity of cells to grow in the presence of high or low concentrations of complex mixtures of nutrients such as peptone do not distinguish between two broad classes of bacteria differing intrinsically in their ability to grow at high and low concentrations of nutrients. Whether two such broad classes exist seems extremely doubtful. Which organisms will multiply in a particular environment will depend on both the specific nutrients available and their concentrations.

Properties of the glucose transport system in some deep-sea bacteria

Many deep-sea bacteria are specifically adapted to flourish under the high hydrostatic pressures which exist in their natural environment. For better understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of these microorganisms, properties of the glucose transport systems in two barophilic isolates (PE-36, CNPT-3) and one psychrophilic marine bacterium (Vibrio marinus MP1) were studied. These bacteria use a phosphoenol-pyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) for glucose transport, similar to that found in many members of the Vibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. The system was highly specific for glucose and its nonmetabolizable analog, methyl alpha-glucoside (a-MG), and exhibited little affinity for other sugars tested. The temperature optimum for glucose phosphorylation in vitro was approximately 20 degrees C. Membrane-bound PTS components of deep-sea bacteria were capable of enzymatically cross-reacting with the soluble PTS enzymes of Salmonella typhimurium, indicating functional similarities between the PTS systems of these organisms. In CNPT-3 and V. marinus, increased pressure had an inhibitory effect on a-MG uptake, to the greatest extent in V. marinus. Relative to atmospheric pressure, increased pressure stimulated sugar uptake in the barophilic isolate PE-36 considerably. Increased hydrostatic pressure inhibited in vitro phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent a-MG phosphorylation catalyzed by crude extracts of V. marinus and PE-36 but enhanced this activity in crude extracts of the barophile CNPT-3. Both of the pressure-adapted barophilic bacteria were capable of a-MG uptake at higher pressures than was the nonbarophilic psychrophile, V. marinus.

Role of ectoine in Vibrio cholerae osmoadaptation

Vibrio cholerae is both an intestinal pathogen and a microbe in the estuarine community. To persist in the estuarine environment, V. cholerae must adjust to changes in ionic composition and osmolarity. These changes in the aquatic environment have been correlated with cholera epidemics. In this work, we study the response of V. cholerae to increases in environmental osmolarity. Optimal growth of V. cholerae in minimal medium requires supplementation with 200 mM NaCl and KCl. However, when the NaCl concentration is increased beyond 200 mM, a proportionate delay in growth is observed. During this delay in growth, osmotic equilibrium is reached by cytoplasmic accumulation of small, uncharged solutes that are compatible with growth. We show that synthesis of the compatible solute ectoine and transport of the compatible solute glycine betaine impact the length of the osmoadaptive growth delay. We also demonstrate that high-osmolarity-adapted V. cholerae displays a growth advantage when competed against unadapted cells in high-osmolarity medium. In contrast, low-osmolarity-adapted V. cholerae displays no growth advantage when competed against high-osmolarity-adapted cells in low-osmolarity medium. These results may have implications for V. cholerae population dynamics when seawater and freshwater and their attendant microbes mix.

Vibrio hispanicus sp. nov., isolated from Artemia sp. and sea water in Spain

Three Gram-negative, small, motile, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from Artemia sp. and sea water in Barcelona, Spain, during 1990 and 1991. They were fermentative, oxidase-positive, sensitive to vibriostatic agent O/129, arginine dihydrolase-positive, lysine and ornithine decarboxylase-negative and grew in the absence of NaCl. They differed from phenotypically related species by their ability to grow at 4 °C and utilize l-rhamnose. Cloning of the 16S rRNA gene of the type strain produced two different 16S rRNA gene sequences, which differed by 15 bases (0·99 %); comparison of these sequences with those deposited in GenBank showed close relationships with Vibrio proteolyticus (97·6 % similarity), Vibrio diazotrophicus (97·9 %), Vibrio campbellii (96·8 %) and Vibrio alginolyticus (96·8 %), among others. DNA–DNA hybridization levels with the closest phylogenetically related Vibrio species were <26·4 %. Sufficient evidence is provided to support the identity of the three strains analysed as members of a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio hispanicus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain LMG 13240T (=CAIM 525T=VIB 213T).

Recent progress in the Na(+)-translocating NADH-quinone reductase from the marine Vibrio alginolyticus

The respiratory chain of Gram-negative marine and halophilic bacteria has a Na(+)-dependent NADH-quinone reductase that functions as a primary Na(+) pump. The Na(+)-translocating NADH-quinone reductase (NQR) from the marine Vibrio alginolyticus is composed of six structural genes (nqrA to nqrF). The NqrF subunit has non-covalently bound FAD. There are conflicting results on the existence of other flavin cofactors. Recent studies revealed that the NqrB and NqrC subunits have a covalently bound flavin, possibly FMN, which is attached to a specified threonine residue. A novel antibiotic, korormicin, was found to specifically inhibit the NQR complex. From the homology search of the nqr operon, it was found that the Na(+)-pumping NQR complex is widely distributed among Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.

The inorganic ion content of native aquatic bacteria

In this study we have quantified the ionic content and volume of native aquatic, and two cultured bacteria, by X-ray microanalysis (XRMA) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The cellular concentrations of magnesium (means of 630 and 710 mM) were more than an order of a magnitude higher than the outside concentrations. The internal concentrations of sodium were on average 50-180 mM, and the [K+]/[Na+] ratios were in the range of 0.1-0.5; lowest for apparently nonactive bacteria. Magnesium and chloride probably act as the major components of cell turgor, since no other inorganic ions were present in comparable amounts. Our carbon and nitrogen measurements indicated that organic solutes are not likely to be present at significant concentrations. The estimated charge of inorganic ions (Na, Mg, P, Cl, K, and Ca) gave a positive net internal charge for most cells. However, in cultures of Vibrio natriegens, the high internal chloride concentration made the net inorganic charge negative in these cells. Our results suggest that growing marine bacterioplankton have an internal environment in which magnesium is the dominating cation. These results suggest that actively growing marine bacteria are physiologically adapted to high internal concentrations of both magnesium and chloride.Key words: X-ray microanalysis, magnesium, osmolyte, marine bacteria.

Role of rpoS in stress survival and virulence of Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae is known to persist in aquatic environments under nutrient-limiting conditions. To analyze the possible involvement of the alternative sigma factor encoded by rpoS, which is shown to be important for survival during nutrient deprivation in several other bacterial species, a V. cholerae rpoS homolog was cloned by functional complementation of an Escherichia coli mutant by using a wild-type genomic library. Sequence analysis of the complementing clone revealed an 1.008-bp open reading frame which is predicted to encode a 336-amino-acid protein with 71 to 63% overall identity to other reported rpoS gene products. To determine the functional role of rpoS in V. cholerae, we inactivated rpoS by homologous recombination. V. cholerae strains lacking rpoS are impaired in the ability to survive diverse environmental stresses, including exposure to hydrogen peroxide, hyperosmolarity, and carbon starvation. These results suggest that rpoS may be required for the persistence of V. cholerae in aquatic habitats. In addition, the rpoS mutation led to reduced production or secretion of hemagglutinin/protease. However, rpoS is not critical for in vivo survival, as determined by an infant mouse intestinal competition assay.

On the origin of variants of the marine bacteriumDeleya aesta134 able to grow at low Na+concentration

Deleya aesta 134 grows optimally at 200 mM Na+in a chemically defined medium but at 10 mM Na+only after an extended lag period which was reduced if the cells that grew were reinoculated into medium of the same low Na+concentration. Cells that eventually grew at low Na+formed colonies on agar containing 17 mM Na+in the agar supernatant (the liquid released when the agar was compacted). Cells of the parent failed to form colonies at this Na+concentration when 102cells were plated. Colonies that formed on low Na+agar differed in appearance from colonies of the parent and three colony types were distinguished. When 106cells of D. aesta grown in liquid medium containing optimum Na+were spread on plates containing 17 mM Na+, a few variant colonies first appeared on day 4 and then increased in numbers over a 20-day period. In nine similar cultures the yield of colonies varied over a 3-log range. Fluctuation tests applied to the numbers arising from the similar cultures after different periods of incubation of the plates showed that the ratio of the variance to the mean was much greater than one initially and then increased with time. A total of seven different variants were isolated. These could be distinguished by the colony type formed, the length of the lag time preceding the first appearance of colonies, and the rate of colony accumulation on low (and in one case, high) Na+plates. The variants retained their distinctive characteristics when replated at low Na+after growth at optimum Na+. Differences in lag time and rate of colony accumulation were related to differences in Na+requirement of the variants and to the presence of other colonies on the plates. The variants appear to arise as the result of random mutations in the growing culture. There was no evidence of adaptive mutation.Key words: Deleya aesta, marine bacteria, variants, Na+response, colony accumulation, adaptive mutation.

The taxonomic significance of the growth response to Na+by strains ofVibrio

Eighty regional Vibrio strains were studied for their growth responses at 13 Na+concentrations. Using a chemically defined plating medium, together with a multipoint inoculation technique, approximately 45% of the strains showed a specific growth requirement for Na+. The remaining strains grew, with a lag period, on the basal medium that contained about 2 mM background Na+. Based on the growth responses to Na+, a numerical analysis was used to explore differences between the strains. A dendrogram was produced in which the strains were grouped into four major clusters. At an equivalent level of similarity the cluster composition was not significantly different from that shown in a second dendrogram that was based on standard tests recommended in the 9th edition of Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The study showed that, over a range of concentrations, the growth response to Na+was taxonomically significant for Vibrio strains.Key words: Vibrio, marine bacteria, Na+requirement, growth response.

Na(+)-translocating NADH-quinone reductase of marine and halophilic bacteria

The respiratory chain of marine and moderately halophilic bacteria requires Na+ for maximum activity, and the site of Na(+)-dependent activation is located in the NADH-quinone reductase segment. The Na(+)-dependent NADH-quinone reductase purified from marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus is composed of three subunits, alpha, beta, and gamma, with apparent M(r) of 52, 46, and 32 kDa, respectively. The FAD-containing beta-subunit reacts with NADH and reduces ubiquinone-1 (Q-1) by a one-electron transfer pathway to produce ubisemiquinones. In the presence of the FMN-containing alpha-subunit and the gamma-subunit, Q-1 is converted to ubiquinol-1 without the accumulation of free radicals. The reaction catalyzed by the alpha-subunit is strictly dependent on Na+ and is strongly inhibited by 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), which is tightly coupled to the electrogenic extrusion of Na+. A similar type of Na(+)-translocating NADH-quinone reductase is widely distributed among marine and moderately halophilic bacteria. The respiratory chain of V. alginolyticus contains another NADH-quinone reductase which is Na+ independent and has no energy-transducing capacity. These two types of NADH-quinone reductase are quite different with respect to their mode of quinone reduction and their sensitivity toward NADH preincubation.

Sodium-transport NADH-quinone reductase of a marine Vibrio alginolyticus

The respiratory chain of a marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus, required Na+ for maximum activity, and the site of Na+ -dependent activation was localized on the NADH-quinone reductase segment. The Na+ -dependent NADH-quinone reductase extruded Na+ as a direct result of redox reaction. It was composed of three subunits, alpha, beta, and gamma, with apparent Mr of 52, 46, and 32 KDa, respectively. The reduction of ubiquinone-1 to ubiquinol proceeded via ubisemiquinone radicals. The former reaction was catalyzed by the FAD-containing beta subunit. This reaction showed no specific requirement for Na+. For the formation of ubiquinol, the presence of the gamma subunit and the FMN-containing alpha subunit was essential. The latter reaction specifically required Na+ for activity and was strongly inhibited by 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide. It was assigned to the coupling site for Na+ transport. The mode of energy coupling of redox-driven Na+ pump was compared with those of decarboxylase- and ATP-driven Na+ pumps found in other bacteria.

Effect of Na + Concentration and Nutritional Factors on the Lag Phase and Exponential Growth Rates of the Marine Bacterium Deleya aesta and of Other Marine Species

Growth of the marine bacterium Deleya aesta in a succinate minimal medium showed increasingly long lag phases as Na + was decreased below the optimum (200 to 500 mM). The minimum Na + concentration permitting growth consistently was 15 mM. Supplementation of the medium with KHCO 3 (as a source of CO 2 ) or yeast extract, especially in combination, reduced the lag phase, increased the rate of exponential growth, and allowed growth at 8 mM Na + . KHCO 3 did not reduce the lag period but did increase the rate of exponential growth of Deleya venusta, Deleya pacifica , and Alteromonas haloplanktis 214. Yeast extract was active for all three. The effect of yeast extract on D. aesta could be reproduced by a mixture of amino acids approximating its amino acid composition. l -Alanine, l -aspartate, and l -methionine, in combination, were the most effective in reducing the lag phase, although not as effective as the complete mixture. Succinate, l -aspartate, and l -alanine were transported into the cells by largely independent pathways and oxidized at rates which were much lower at 10 than at 200 mM Na + . l -Methionine was transported at a low rate in the absence of Na + and at a higher rate at 10 mM but was not oxidized. Above 25 mM Na + , the rate of transport of the carbon source was not the rate-limiting step for growth. It is concluded that a combination of transportable carbon sources reduced the lag period and increased the rate of exponential growth because they can be taken up independently and at low Na + utilized simultaneously.

Salt requirements in the denitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas nautica 617

Pseudomonas nautica 617, which was isolated from superficial marine sediment, was found to require sodium for growth. Growth also appeared to be sensitive to the divalent cation, Mg2+, the presence of which, together with that of Na+, was necessary for achieving maximal growth. We investigated cell capacity to resist lysis after washing with either 0.05 M MgCl2 or 0.5 M NaCl, by monitoring suspension optical density changes as well as the release of ultraviolet absorbing material. Mg2+ turned out to play a significant role in stabilizing the structure of the cell envelope. Respiratory activity was also sensitive to ionic environment. With cells washed with 0.05 M MgCl2 and suspended in 0.05 M Tris buffer, the respiration rate, assessed by N2O evolution, was 15% of that measured in artificial sea water. Upon addition of 0.5 M Na+, nitrous oxide production rose to 32% of the reference level. The dinitrification rate was fully restored by further addition of 0.05 M Mg2+. K+ alone had almost no effect, but when added with Na+, the rate of denitrification increased to 45%.

Sodium-Dependent Azotobacter chroococcum Strains Are Aeroadaptive, Microaerophilic, Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria

Na + -dependent strains of Azotobacter chroococcum were observed to have very low reactivities with the H 2 O 2 spot test for catalase. The cell extract of the representative Na + -dependent strain 184 contained a catalase specific activity that was 10-to 600-fold lower than those found in Na + -independent strains of A. chroococcum. Peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities existed in all strains, although only certain Na + -dependent strains contained a peroxidase reactive with p -phenylenediamine. The activities of catalase and peroxidase in the Na + -dependent strain 184 were dependent on iron availability, which helped to explain the iron-dependent growth characteristic of this strain. The activities of these enzymes were not increased by subjecting the cells to increased aeration, nitrogen-fixing conditions, or paraquat. Strain 184 was found to be very sensitive to H 2 O 2 or paraquat, even under iron-sufficient conditions, and was difficult to recover quantitatively on solid plating media. Strain 184 was more susceptible to H 2 O 2 when grown under low-aeration, nitrogen-fixing conditions than when it was grown in the presence of NH 4 + . Low population densities of strain 184 grew in nitrogen-free medium under microaerophilic conditions, while more dense populations were able to fix nitrogen under aerobic conditions. Therefore, these bacteria appeared to be aeroadaptive, microaerophilic, nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Sodium ion transport decarboxylases and other aspects of sodium ion cycling in bacteria

Images

Sodium-Dependent Growth of Azotobacter chroococcum

The majority of Azotobacter chroococcum strains in a collection obtained from Alberta soils were absolutely dependent on Na + for growth. Two strains from the American Type Culture Collection also were either Na + dependent or were stimulated by Na + . Optimal growth required 0.8 mM Na + and was limited at 0.2 to 0.35 mM Na + . Growth promoted by 0.8 mM Na + was inhibited by Rb + > K + >> NH 4 + but was not affected by Li + . Growth inhibition by Rb + and K + was overcome by increasing the Na + concentration present in the medium. Excellent growth in media containing limiting Na + was obtained when 25 mM Li + or 25 mM Mg 2+ was added. Li + was significantly more effective in replacing Na + than was Mg 2+ . Na + was required for growth on all C sources (glucose, sucrose, melibiose, and mannitol) and N sources (N 2 , NH 4 + , and NO 3 − ) and was required throughout the pH range of growth. Cells suspended in Na + -deficient medium or in distilled water did not appear to lyse or lose viability.

Osmotic control of luminescence and growth in Photobacterium leiognathi from ponyfish light organs

Osmolarity was found to control the luminescence and growth of Photobacterium leiognathi strain LN-1a isolated from the light organ of the ponyfish Leiognathus nuchalis (family Leiognathidae). Low osmolarity (ca. 400 mOsm) stimulated luminescence per cell 80 to 100-fold to a level (ca. 2.0 X 10(4) quanta . s-1 . cell-1) equal to that of bacteria taken directly from the light organ and increased the level of luciferase per cell 8 to 10-fold compared to high osmolarity (ca. 800 mOsm). Conversely, high osmolarity stimulated oxygen uptake and growth rate 2 to 4-fold compared to low osmolarity. Of 21 additional tested strains of P. leiognathi from light organs of 9 other ponyfish species, all responded similarly. Low osmolarity may be a host control factor that functions to stimulate the luminescence and restrict the growth of ponyfish light organ bacteria in situ.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus and related halophilic Vibrios

Approximately 30 years have elapsed since Dr. Fujino's original discovery that Vibrio parahaemolyticus (then termed Pasteurella parahemolytica) was the cause of "summer diarrhea" in Japan. Since that finding, V. parahaemolyticus has been established as a cause of gastroenteritis in numbers and places approaching global proportions. It has been isolated in marine and estuarine areas almost worldwide and despite its halophilic nature, V. parahaemolyticus has been isolated from saline-free waters. The relationship of this organism to the environment reveals a close association with other marine organisms especially copepods on which the Vibrios depend for survival in winter months and growth in summer months. There is a uniquely provocative disparity between human strains of V. parahaemolyticus which are Kanagawa phenomenon (KP) positive and the environmental strains which to a large extent are KP negative, the significance being that pathogenicity is measured according to the Kanagawa phenomenon (hemolytic activity) reaction. The hemolysin of the pathogenic strains is a thermostable, cardiotoxic protein, which thus far has not been implicated in the mechanism(s) which causes human gastroenteritis. The interest in this organism has been widened in recent years by the finding that similar organisms, V. alginolyticus, lactose positive vibrios and group F vibrios also cause serious disease in humans.

Physiological characteristics of Thiomicrospira sp. Strain L-12 isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Growth of the obligately chemolithotrophic Thiomicrospira sp. strain L-12, isolated from a hydrothermal vent at a depth of 2,550 m in the Galapagos Rift region, was optimal at pH 8 and required 200 mM Na+ and divalent ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+). The organism was microaerophilic and tolerated 300 microM sulfide without a decrease in the rate of CO2 incorporation. Growth and CO2 incorporation occurred within the temperature range of 10 to 35 degrees C, with both optimal at 25 degrees C. At the in situ pressure of 250 atm. the rate of CO2 incorporation was reduced by 25% relative to that measured at 1 atm: it was entirely suppressed at 500 atm. The results of this physiological characterization suggest that Thiomicrospira sp. strain L-12 can be an active autotroph in the hydrothermal environment.

Evolution of alkaline phosphatase in marine species of Vibrio

The evolution of alkaline phosphatase was studied in marine species of Vibrio. Two antisera prepared against purified alkaline phosphatases from Vibrio splendidus and Vibrio harveyi were used to estimate the amino acid sequence divergence of this enzyme in 51 strains belonging to nine species. The methods used were the quantitative microcomplement fixation technique and the Ouchterlony double-diffusion procedure. There was a high degree of congruence between the measurement of the amino acid sequence divergence of alkaline phosphatase and the percentage of deoxyribonucleic acid homology of the different organisms relative to both reference strains (correlation coefficient of -0.89) as well as between the amino acid sequence divergence of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase (correlation coefficient of 0.92) relative to V. splendidus. These findings supported the view that the evolution of marine species of Vibrio is primarily vertical and that horizontal evolution (involving genetic exchange between species), if significant, is restricted to a minor fraction of the bacterial genome.

DNA base compositions of halophilic and nonhalophilicBacillus firmus strains of marine origin

The mineral salt requirements of 27 strains ofBacillus firmus were determined. Twenty-six of these strains were of marine origin and one terrestrial strain was used as a reference. Three strains demonstrated strictly halophilic behavior, i.e., they showed no growth in media prepared without sodium chloride. Seven strains were nonhalophilic. The growth of 17 strains was stimulated by the addition of sodium chloride, but the cells were able to grow without it. These results were compared with the DNA base compositions of the strains. In contrast to literature data, relationships between the DNA base ratios and the halophilic or nonhalophilic behavior of the cells could not be detected. But strains with guanine plus cytosine values above 41 mol% did grow well at 44°C, and those strains showing poor growth at this temperature had lower guanine plus cytosine percentages.

Distribution of the Luminous Bacterium Beneckea harveyi in a Semitropical Estuarine Environment

Bioluminescent bacteria were found in the water column, sediment, shrimp, and gastrointestinal tract of marine fishes from the semitropical estuarine environment of the East Lagoon, Galveston Island, Tex. Populations in the water column decreased during cold weather while sedimentary populations persisted. The highest percentages of luminous organisms were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marine fishes, where they persisted during 5 days of starvation. The presence of chitin temporarily increased intestinal populations. All isolates were Beneckea harveyi, whose natural habitat appears to be the gut of fishes and whose free-living reservoir appears to be marine sediments.

Glutamate Functions in Osmoregulation in a Marine Bacterium

Beneckea harveyi, growing in either minimal or complex media increased the total amino acid pool with increasing salinity of the medium. Glutamate was the predominate amino acid involved.

Osmotic effects of membrane permeability in a marine bacterium

When cells of Alteromonas haloplanktis 214 (ATCC 19855) were preloaded with alpha-[(14)C]aminoisobutyric acid or the K(+) in the cells was labeled with (42)K by incubation in a buffered salt solution containing 0.05 M MgSO(4), 0.01 M KCl, and 0.3 M NaCl, the cells retained their radioactivity when resuspended in the same salt solution. When NaCl was omitted from the solution, 80 to 90% of the radioactivity was lost from the cells. Cells suspended at intermediate concentrations of NaCl also lost radioactivity. New steady-state levels of the intracellular solutes were established within 15 s of suspending the cells; the percentage of radioactivity retained at each level decreased proportionately as the osmolality of the NaCl in the suspending solution decreased. With minor variations in effectiveness, MgCl(2), LiCl, and sucrose could substitute for NaCl on an equiosmolal basis for the retention of radioactivity by the cells. KCl, RbCl, and CsCl were appreciably less effective as replacements for NaCl, particularly when their osmolalities in the suspending solutions were low. The amount of alpha-[(14)C]aminoisobutyric acid taken up by the cells at the steady-state level increased to a maximum as the NaCl concentration in the suspending medium increased to 0.3 M. At suboptimal levels of NaCl, either LiCl or sucrose could substitute for NaCl in increasing the steady-state levels. The results obtained indicate that the porosity of the cytoplasmic membrane of this organism is determined by the difference between the osmotic pressure of the cytoplasm and the suspending medium. The lesser effectiveness of K(+), Rb(+), and Cs(+) than Na(+), Li, or Mg(2+) in permitting the retention of solutes by the cells is attributed to the greater penetrability of the hydrated ions of the former group through the dilated pores of a stretched cytoplasmic membrane.