Phenotypic characterization and scanning electron microscopy studies of a putative Thermus sp. from Taal Volcano, Batangas [Philippines]
2000
Salonga, R.A. | Balahadia, M.J. | Barreiro, M.G. | Bayani, A.II | Dalmacio, A.M. (Philippines Univ. Diliman, Diliman, Quezon City (Philippines). Coll. of Science) Ballesteros, F. | Tuazon, O.M.
With the advent of the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique, the need for cheap and efficient DNA polymerases increases. The most common and widely used Taq polymerase was originally isolated from a thermophile, Thermus aquaticus. This study aims to isolate thermophilus from Taal volcano that could be potential sources of polymerases. Thermophilic bacteria were isolated from fumarol vents in the main crater of Taal Volcano and were grown in Peptone-Meat Extract-Yeast Extract (PMY) medium at 60 deg C under aerobic conditions. Upon purification via the Streak Plate Method, a distinct isolate, names TAAL 9, was chosen for further studies. Its colonies were regularly shaped, slightly elevated at the center and medium sized. It has a smooth texture and a yellowish-cream pigmentation. The culture produced a surface pellicle when grown in PMY broth. Negative staining revealed that the isolate forms straight rod with regular shape. It was Gram-negative, non-spore forming and non-motile. Pertinent biochemical tests characterize it as oxidase and catalase positive, and starch hydrolyzing. Gelatin hydrolysis was negative while the organism was slightly susceptible to penicillin, although both tests are inconclusive. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the general morphology of the organisms, with its length measuring approximately, 6.25? and its diameter, 0.521?. All these results suggest that the organism belong to the genus Thermus although it may not be Thermus aquaticus
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