streptomyces

/strep'teuh muy"seez/, n., pl. streptomyces. Bacteriol.

any of several aerobic bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, certain species of which produce antibiotics.

[ < NL (1943), equiv. to strepto- STREPTO- + Gk mýkes mushroom, fungus]

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Any of the threadlike bacteria that make up the genus Streptomyces, occurring in soil and water.

These gram-positive (see gram stain), oxygen-requiring bacteria form a branching net called a mycelium that bears chains of spores at maturity. Many species are important in the decomposition of organic matter in soil, contributing in part to the earthy odour of soil and decaying leaves and to the fertility of soil. Certain species produce antibiotics such as tetracycline and streptomycin. See also actinomycete.

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▪ bacterium

 genus of filamentous bacteria of the family Streptomycetaceae (order Actinomycetales) that includes more than 500 species occurring in soil and water. Many species are important in the decomposition of organic matter in soil, contributing in part to the earthy odour of soil and decaying leaves and to the fertility of soil. Certain species are noted for the production of broad-spectrum antibiotics, chemicals that the bacteria naturally produce to kill or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.

      Streptomyces are characterized as gram-positive aerobic bacteria of complex form. They form a threadlike net called a mycelium that bears chains of spores at maturity. Their branching strands are 0.5 to 1.0 micrometre in diameter.

      The antibiotic producers include: S. aureofaciens (yielding chlortetracycline), S. rimosis (oxytetracycline; see tetracycline), S. griseus (streptomycin), S. erythraeus (erythromycin), and S. venezuelae (chloramphenicol).

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