Chemotaxis in Actinoplanes

Abstract

The chemotactic properties of spores of Actinoplanes brasiliensis were examined. The spores are attracted to chloride and bromide solutions but not to a number of organic compounds that are capable of supporting growth in chemically defined media. Chloride attraction has been tested in several other species of the genus and in a number of Actinoplanes strains isolated from soils. Some are attracted to chloride, but most strains are indifferent to the halide. In dense suspensions, the spores of A. brasiliensis show an apparent microaerophilic behavior. The ecological implications of the chemotactic properties of the A. brasiliensis spores are discussed.