Index >> Microbes and Lithosphere>> Actinomycetes

Actinomycetes
They are regarded as an intermediate group between bacteria and fungi. Like fungi, they produce slender branched filaments that develop into a mycelium. They also produce single, paired or a chain of asexual spores called conidia on their hypae. They do not show turbidity when grown in liquid cultures.

Like bacteria some genera, show presence of flagella, similarities in cell wall composition and sensitivity to antibacterial compounds and not to antifungals.

Actinomycetes grow slowly and are present in the surface soil and also
in the lower horizons particularly in environments of high pH.

Some members are Streptomyces, Actinoplane, Frankia, Actinomyces,
Thermomonospora, etc.