Observations On Streptomyces Griseus. IV. Induced Mutation and Strain Selection

Abstract

SUMMARY The normal variation found in Streptomyces griseus can be increased by treatment with either ultraviolet light or (C1CH₂- CH₂)₃N. Some of the variable characters include the color of spores and degree of sporulation; the surface and margin of the colony, as well as colony sectoring; the amount and color of exudate on the colony surface; and the amount and color of soluble pigment released into the substratum. In addition, great variation occurs in the amount of streptomycin produced. No complete correlation between morphological type and streptomycin production could be found. Strain selection and induced mutation can be used to obtain strains with an increased capacity for producing streptomycin.