Streptomycetes are mycelial bacteria, ubiquitous in nature and integral participants in the life of the biosphere. They are aerobic, gram-positive organisms of the prokaryotic type. They form a branched mycelium with a diameter of 0.5–2.0 microns (Barbuto Ferraiuolo et al., 2021). Mycelium is usually not fragmented; it is divided into two parts: primary (substrate) and secondary (air); secondary may be absent. The filaments of the mycelium do not break up into fragments. Representatives of the family are able to form immobile bacterial spores. They are created in the form of chains on the spore-bearing hyphae of the aerial mycelium. There are more than 500 species of this bacteria and they play a crucial role for humans and the environment.
These bacteria are the basis for creating antibiotics as they produce specific substances that eliminate harmful cells. Almost 60% of antibiotics are formed by streptomycetes, making them the most popular means of fighting infection (Barbuto Ferraiuolo et al., 2021). As a result, they attack the competing microorganisms with their antibiotic power and may inhibit benevolent bacteria’s growth. Hence, streptomycetes are beneficial for a human body in a way that may prevent numerous infectious diseases.
What is more, streptomycetes are responsible for the creation of the after-rain earthy smell. These mycelial bacteria excrete drought-resistant spores to ensure their own survival in the dry soil. The shell of these spores contains geosmin, which has a familiar earthy forest aroma. The raindrops that fall on the ground throw these tiny ultralight spores into the air, making people inhale this smell. Finally, streptomycetes produce geosmin, which can be scented by camels from a very long distance. It helps these animals find the water source.
Reference
Barbuto Ferraiuolo, S., Cammarota, M., Schiraldi, C., & Restaino, O. F. (2021). Streptomycetes as platform for biotechnological production processes of drugs.Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 105(2), 551–568.