CYTOCHROMES IN BEGGIATOA-ALBA

A strain of Beggiatoa alba, B18LD, was investigated for the presence of cytochromes by running difference absorption spectra on cell-free extracts using dithionite, KCN, and Na2S. Cytochrome spectra with major peaks at 418-421 nm, 522 nm, and 551-554 nm were recorded with heterotrophic cells, sulfide-oxidizing cells, and cells being shifted from heterotrophic to the sulfide-oxidizing conditions. Using Na2S, peaks or shoulders were also observed at 424-428 nm, along with some widening of the 522-nm and 552-nm peaks in the heterotrophic cells and the heterotrophic cells being shifted to sulfide-oxidizing conditions. This is the first evidence indicating the presence of cytochromes in Beggiatoa. © 1979 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.