POLAR LIPIDS AND FATTY-ACIDS IN THE GENUS RHODOBACTER

Polar lipids and fatty acids of more than 20 strains of the six species of the genus Rhodobacter were analysed. The results demonstrate a species specific composition of both polar lipids and fatty acids, implying their possible use in identification of individual strains within this genus. On the basis of their lipid and fatty acid composition and by inclusion of all type strains of the recognized Rhodobacter species, the previous identification of three marine isolates as strains of Rhodobacter sulfidophilus and of three other marine isolates as Rhodobacter adriaticus was confirmed. Two new isolates were identified as strains of Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodobacter capsulatus, respectively.