DNA base compositions of halophilic and nonhalophilicBacillus firmus strains of marine origin

The mineral salt requirements of 27 strains ofBacillus firmus were determined. Twenty-six of these strains were of marine origin and one terrestrial strain was used as a reference. Three strains demonstrated strictly halophilic behavior, i.e., they showed no growth in media prepared without sodium chloride. Seven strains were nonhalophilic. The growth of 17 strains was stimulated by the addition of sodium chloride, but the cells were able to grow without it. These results were compared with the DNA base compositions of the strains. In contrast to literature data, relationships between the DNA base ratios and the halophilic or nonhalophilic behavior of the cells could not be detected. But strains with guanine plus cytosine values above 41 mol% did grow well at 44°C, and those strains showing poor growth at this temperature had lower guanine plus cytosine percentages.