The bacteria used in this study were isolated and cultured by Drs. Hoi-Ying Holman, Jil Geller, and Tamas Torok. Phenotypic methods were used to narrow the field to specific genera and species. Genotype was analysed by obtaining the sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, which is used for phylogenetic cmparisons. This sequence is highly conserved and significant changes usually correspond to an evolutionary change in species.
Species have characteristic profiles of type and concentration of fatty acids.
Gas Chromatography separates components based on molecular size and concentration. Cells were lysed and the fatty acids saponified with a strong base, methylated in the presence of a strong acid, extracted, purified and washed. Carbon Utilization Profiles Species are able to metabolize a characteristic set of carbon sources. Related organisms have similar carbon utilization profiles. Isolated pure cultures were Gram stained with the BBL kit.