Metabolism and the Chemical Nature of Streptomyces griseus

Abstract

Growth of S. griseus in stationary cultures reaches a maximum in 10 days and in submerged cultures in 3 to 5 days. This is followed by the lysis of the mycelium. Growth is accompanied by a gradual rise in the pH value of the culture, the ammonia and amino N, and the production and accumulation of streptomycin. After max. activity has been reached, there is a drop in streptomycin activity, which is rapid in submerged cultures. An organic substance is required in the medium for the production of streptomycin, designated as an "activity factor." This factor can gradually be synthesized by the organism. 5. griseus produces also another antibiotic substance distinct from streptomycin, which is present in a limited amt. in the culture filtrate but more abundantly in the mycelium.