Immunochemical studies of Rhizobium mutants

Summary It was shown in gel diffusion and in immunoelectrophoresis tests that somatic antigens of smooth cultures were more complex than those of rough mutants. Somatic antigens ofR. trifolii 24 contained glucuronic acid, glucosamine, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose or fucose, ribose, and 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate. Arabinose was identified in some preparations. The antigens of the smooth strain contained a large amount of rhamnose whereas those of the rough mutants were deficient in that sugar.