FIG. 2.

Comparison of secondary structures of the 16S rRNA molecule. (a) Signatures in the V3 variable region which differentiate between the fast- and slow-growing mycobacteria. Representatives of both classes are shown. Bases 451 and 482 (from the 5′ end) are shown in boldface. (b) Signatures in the V2 variable region which differentiate between the thermotolerant and thermosensitive mycobacteria. Representatives of both classes are shown. Bases 184 and 193 (from the 5′ end) are shown in boldface.