Characterization of Microcystis Strains by Alkyl Sulfides and β-Cyclocitral

Abstract

Cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis have been found to liberate large amounts of β-cyclocitral.While all seven strains of Microcystis studied possessed this property, it has not been found in any othercyanobacterial species. This chemical characteristic of the genus M icrocystis enables the unequivocal systematic arrangement of controversial species. Another chemical property allows two chemotypes to be distinguishedwithin the genus M icrocystis: one exhibits an intensive release of isopropylmethyl disulfide, diisopropyl disulfide and diisopropyl trisulfide, substances which have not been previously found in any microorganism.The second chemotype excretes dimethyl disulfide and in some casesalso dimethyl trisulfide and dimethyl tetrasulfide.Species producing isopropyl sulfides emanate an intensive sulphurous malodour. © 1984, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.