Pleomorphism of the marine bacterium Teredinobacter turnirae

Aims: A morphology transition for the marine bacterium, Teredinobacter turn irae is reported. Methods and Results: When grown in the rod-shaped morphology, the cells req uire high concentrations of NaCl (0.3 mol l(-1)) and secrete extracellular protease and endoglucanase activity. When this bacterium is grown in a medi um containing casein as a sole carbon and nitrogen source, a major change i n morphology to a stable aggregated form is obtained. Conclusions: In the aggregated morphology, much higher protease production rates (170 Units ml(-1) d(-1) for aggregates vs. 15 Units ml(-1) d(-1) for rods, for the same initial biomass) and negligible endoglucanase titres are obtained. In addition, the aggregated morphology does not require sodium c hloride for growth. Significance and Impact of the Study: The phenomenon reported here describe s a novel relationship between the cell morphology and the biochemical char acteristics of the bacterium.