Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of the DNA sequence of a Lactobacillus johnsonii strain, in particular to its genomic sequence for elucidating interactions of micro-organism with hosts they colonize, and moreover for elucidating the basis of probiotic properties exhibited by such strain. In addition, the present invention also relates to methods of detecting nucleic acids or polypeptides of Lactobacilli and related species, respectively. A data carrier is provided comprising nucleotide sequences and/or polypeptide sequences of La1.

Abstract: A DNA fragment derived from coffee encoding at least one enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of polysaccharides comprising pure or branched mannan molecules linked to each other via a ? (1?4) linkage, and which has the the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO.:1 or which is homologous to or hybridizes to a fragment of DNA having the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO.:1.