The Ribonucleotide Sequence of 5S rRNA from Two Strains of Deep-Sea Barophilic Bacteria

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Abstract
Deep-sea bacteria were isolated from the digestive tract of animals inhabiting depths of 5900 m in the Puerto Rico Trench and 4300 m near the Walvis Ridge. Growth of 2 bacterial strains was measured in marine broth and in solid media under a range of pressures and temperatures. Both strains were barophilic at 2.degree. C (.+-. 1.degree. C) with an optimal growth rate of 0.22 h-1 at a pressure 30% lower than that encountered in situ. At 1 atm they grew at temperatures ranging from 1.2.degree.-18.2.degree. C (.+-. 0.3.degree. C), while in situ pressures increased the upper temperature limit to 23.3.degree. C. Both strains were identified as members of the genus Vibrio, based on standard taxonomic tests and mol% G + C values (47.0 and 47.1). Ribonucleotide sequences determined for 5S rRNA from each strain confirmed relationship to the Vibrio-Photobacterium group, as represented by V. harveyi and P. phosphoreum, but the barophiles were clearly distinct from these species. Secondary structure conformed to the established model for eubacterial 5S rRNA.