Differentiation of Dextran-Producing Leuconostoc Strains by a Modified Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Protocol

Seven dextran-producing Leuconostoc strains were differentiated by using a modified randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) protocol that incorporated specific primers designed from conserved regions of dextransucrase genes. RAPD profiles showed intraspecies differences among the Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains tested. This modified RAPD protocol will aid in the differentiation of polymer-producing leuconostocs, which are currently distinguished by time-consuming analyses of the dextrans they synthesize.