Premium
Phylogenetic heterogeneity of the genus Bacillus revealed by comparative analysis of small‐subunit‐ribosomal RNA sequences
Author(s) -
Ash Carol,
Farrow J.A.E.,
Wallbanks Sally,
Collins M.D.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.1991.tb00608.x
Subject(s) - reading (process) , biology , library science , ribosomal rna , phylogenetic tree , genetics , computer science , law , political science , gene
The small‐subunit rRNA sequences of 51 species of Bacillus were determined by reverse transcription to elucidate the phylogenetic structure of the genus. Comparative analysis of the sequence data revealed five phylogenetically distinct clusters. Group 1 ( Bacillus sensu stricto ) included B. subtilis the type species of the genus and 27 other species. Group 2 consisted of B. sphaericus and five other bacilli and Sporosarcina ureae clustered within the confines of this group. Group 3 consisted of a phylogenetically coherent group of 10 species whereas groups 4 and 5 comprised two and three species respectively. It is evident that the genus Bacillus in genetically extremely heterogeneous and requires extensive taxonomic revision. The rRNA structures defined in the present study will provide a firm basis for the division of Bacillus into several phylogenetically distinct genera.