INVESTIGATION OF MARINE MICROORGANISMS OF THE ALTEROMONAS GENUS BY MEANS OF HIGH-RESOLUTION P-31 NMR-SPECTROSCOPY

A comparative analysis has been made of the P-31 NMR spectra of intact bacterial cells of the Alteromonas genus, which are producers of alka line phosphatase. Differences have been found among the individual Alt eromonas species in their contents of phosphate-containing compounds. From a comparison of the P-31 NMR spectra, electron photomicrographs, and phosphatase activity, feasibility has been demonstrated for determ ining the presence of capsules. The P-31 NMR spectra of alteromonads h ave been examined to determine the degree to which they are characteri stic among other taxonomic groups of microorganisms.