Abstract: An isolated 16S rDNA having a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4. The invention also relates to an RNA or DNA probe with a length ranging from 10 to 50 bases which comprises at least one nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4; and wherein the probe is hybridizable specifically with a petroleum-degrading bacterium belonging to the genus Cycloclasticus. The invention also relates to isolated 16S rDNA useful for detecting and screening for petroleum-degrading bacteria.

Abstract: A method of detecting and quantitating a petroleum-digesting microorganism and its gene from natural environment. In one embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium belonging to the genus Cycloclasticus. The invention also relates to a method for detecting and quantitating a petroleum-degrading bacterium belonging to the genus Cycloclasticus comprising using an RNA or DNA probe having a length of from 10 to 50 bases with a part of the nucleotide sequence of the probe represented by any of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 4; and wherein the probe is hybridizable specifically with a petroleum-degrading bacterium belonging to the genus Cycloclasticus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Schizochytrium genus SR21 strain and a microorganism belonging to the same species as does said SR21 strain or having substantially the same fungological properties as does said SR21 strain, the said SR21 strain and microorganism having the ability to produce the (n-3) series of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the (n-6) series of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and the invention also relates to a process for preparing the (n-3) series of DHA and the (n-6) series of DPA utilizing said microorganisms. The microorganisms according to the present invention are superior in their proliferation character and their propensity to produce fat, and have the ability to produce the (n-3) series of DHA and the (n-6) series of DPA very well. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively produce the (n-3) series of DHA and/or the (n-6) series of DPA, which are useful in the fields of foods and pharmaceuticals, using the microorganisms according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for analyzing a dominant level of a certain microorganism with a specific function in an environment by detecting and quantifying nucleic acids of the microorganism by a non-RI method. Novel nucleic acid probes and an environmental diagnostic kit comprising a non-RI-labeled probe are also provided. Methods, probes and kits for analyzing and diagnosing a polluted or contaminated environment, e.g., an oil-polluted environment, is provided.

Abstract: Chitinase with the following physico-chemical properties 1 to 6: 1. action: random cutting of the &bgr;-1,4 bond of chitin to generate the tetramer and dimer of Nacetylglucosamine; 2. optimum pH: 6.5 to 10.4; 3. stable pH: 7.0 to 9.0; 4. optimum temperature: 37° C.; 5. active temperature range: 4 to 60° C.; and 6. thermal stability: 60% or more of the initial activity as retained even after heating at 40° C. and pH 8.0 for 30 minutes; and a method for producing chitinase, comprising culturing a chitinase-generating bacterium reacting with chitin to generate the N-acetylglucosamine oligomer and collecting chitinase from the culture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel microorganism capable of oxidizing manganese such as the genus Cedecea bacterium GSJ/MITA24A/ASHO-RO/1, the genus Aeromonas bacterium GSJ/MITA24B/ASHO-RO/2, or the genus Shewanella bacterium GSJ/MITA24C/ASHO-RO/3; to a method for removing manganese from water containing manganese, which comprises contacting the water containing manganese with a microbial symbiont of algae and one or more microorganisms capable of oxidizing manganese to oxidize and precipitate the manganese, thereby removing the manganese from the water; and to a method of recycling the recovered manganese.

Abstract: A process for producing N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase comprising incubating a microorganism which belongs to the marine psychrotrophic bacterium Vibrio sp. and recovering the N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase from the culture thus obtained; N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase; and a bacterium belonging to the marine psychrotrophic bacterium Vibrio sp.

Abstract: A process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine deacetylase which comprises incubating a microorganism belonging to the genus Alteromonas and recovering N-acetyl-D-glucosamine deacetylase from the culture thus obtained.