Actinobacteria
Actinobacteria
Actinobacteria (pronounced: ak-ti-no-bak-te-ri-a) is a phylum of Gram-positive bacteria. They can be terrestrial or aquatic. They are of great economic importance to humans because agriculture and forests depend on their contributions to the soil ecosystem.
Etymology
The term "Actinobacteria" comes from the Greek aktis, meaning ray, and bakterion, meaning small rod. This is in reference to the radiating appearance of some species when in a certain phase of life.
Characteristics
Actinobacteria are high in Guanine and Cytosine content. They are known for their ability to produce a wide variety of bioactive metabolites, including many antibiotics. Some species of Actinobacteria form branching filaments, which can create a mycelium-like structure, similar to the filaments produced by fungi.
Classification
Actinobacteria is one of the largest taxonomic units among the bacteria; it includes several suborders, families, and genera. Some of the most well-known genera include Streptomyces, Mycobacterium, and Corynebacterium.
Medical Relevance
Actinobacteria are medically important as they are responsible for diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy, caused by species of Mycobacterium. They are also significant producers of antibiotics; for example, species of Streptomyces are responsible for producing over two-thirds of the clinically useful antibiotics of natural origin.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Actinobacteria
- Wikipedia's article - Actinobacteria
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