16S rRNA Sequence Diversity in <i>Mycobacterium celatum</i> Strains Caused by Presence of Two Different Copies of 16S rRNA Gene

Abstract

Direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (16S rDNA) of Mycobacterium celatum isolates showed ambiguities, suggesting heterogeneity. Cloned 16S rDNA yielded two copies of the gene, which differed by insertion of a thymine at position 214 and by additional mismatches. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis confirmed the presence of two copies of 16S rDNA within the bacterial chromosome.