Clostridium populeti sp. nov., a Cellulolytic Species from a Woody-Biomass Digestor

Abstract

A new anaerobic, mesophilic, sporeforming, cellulolytic bacterium is described. The cells of this organism stained gram negative, were motile rods, and formed terminal oval spores which swelled the cells. Colonies were irregular and opaque, with a yellow-pigmented center. Arabinose, xylose, fructose, galactose, glucose, cellobiose, maltose, sucrose, cellulose, xylan, and pectin served as substrates for growth. H₂, CO₂, acetate, butyrate, and lactate were produced during growth on cellulose or glucose. Optimal growth occurred at 35°C and pH 7.0. The deoxyribonucleic acid composition was 28 mol% guanine plus cytosine. The name Clostridium populeti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain 743A (= ATCC 35295).