Comparative Cataloging of 16S Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid: Molecular Approach to Procaryotic Systematics

A taxonomy for Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. pasteurii, B. stearothermophilus, and Sporosarcina ureae has been constructed from comparisons of T1 ribonuclease digests of their respective 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acids. This molecular approach to systematics is shown to give results in essential agreement with traditional techniques for this group of organisms. In addition, the technique appears well suited for higher order classification, an area which has been difficult to approach with traditional techniques.