Phylogenetic position and chemotaxonomic characteristics of sulfate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfomicrobium

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of Desulfomicrobium b aculatum X (type strain) was determined. Comparative phylogenetic analysis of this sequence and 16S rRNA genes of other representatives of the delta-s ubclass of proteobacteria confirmed the existence of a monophyletic cluster of Desulfomicrobium species that is closely related to the genus Desulfovi brio. The similarity between complete nucleotide sequences of Desulfomicrob ium species (97.3-98.59%) was lower than that between partially determined sequences. The fatty acid compositions of cellular lipids of Dm. baculatum X and the Dm. apsheronum 1105 (type strain) were determined and their pecul iarities confirmed the individual taxonomic statuses of these species.