NOTES!

Streptomyces species produce spores from aerial filaments called sporophores. These rise above the colony and form spores called conidia by simple cross-wall divisions of the filament.

Streptomycetes are also of medical and industrial importance because they synthesize antibiotics. There are several theories to may explain antibiotic production, the most widely accepted one being that antibiotics help the organism compete with other organisms in the relatively nutrient-depleted environment of the soil by reducing competition. Over 50 different antibiotics have been isolated from Streptomycetes species, including streptomycin, neomycin, chloramphenicol and tetracyclines.

Streptomyces is from the prefix strepto- (twisted) and the Greek mukes (fungus).

Streptomyces are frequently recognized by their chalky appearance and earthy odor.