ISOLATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF A THERMOPHILIC CELLULOSE DIGESTING ORGANISM
Abstract
The present work was undertaken for the purpose of isolating a thermophilic cellulose digestor in pure culture. Pratt was able to purify the culture which Murray obtained from horse manure, but he was unable to grow the organism on non-peptone medium; on peptone medium it grows as a sur- face spreader. The development of an optimal medium for cellulose digestion, in which yeast extract is substituted for peptone, known concentrations of mineral elements in distilled water replace tap water, and certain non-toxic reducing agents poise the oxidation-reduction potential at an optimal level, has resulted in successful colonial isolation of the cellulose digesting organism. Isolates have been obtained which attack cellulose with undiminished activity on serial transfer on the optimal medium, D58.This organism is a microaerophilic, motile, flexible rod whose optimal temperature for cellulose digestion lies between 62-65°C. Oval spores are formed terminally to slightly subterminally, and the Gram stain is positive for young cells, but negative for older more filamentous cells.Spirochetal forms present at certain periods in this culture are presumed to be the manifestation of one stage of a life cycle.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Genetics
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.