Unusual polar lipids of Micrococcus radiodurans strain Sark

Abstract

The polar lipids of Micrococcus radiodurans strain Sark appear to be unique in that common bacterial phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol are absent. Of the 13 polar lipids detected, 5 contain phosphorus and carbohydrate, 4 contain carbohydrate and no phosphorus, and 1 contains phosphorus as well as sulfur. None of the polar lipids contain free choline or amino groups and none are sensitive to phospholipases C or D. Of eight selected polar lipids tested, all were found to be labile to mild alkali, suggesting the presence of ester linkages. It is suggested that the unusual lipid profile of M. radiodurans strain Sark may be useful in taxonomic considerations.