Explain the general characteristic features of Actinomycetes.

Explanation

Actinomycetes :
1. Actinomycetes are also called 'Ray fungi' due to their mycelia like growth.
2. They are anaerobic or facultative anaerobic microorganisms and are Gram positive. They do not produce an aerial mycelium.
3. Their DNA contain high guanine and cytosine content. Eg : Streptomyces.
4. Frankia is a symbiotic actinobacterium which produces root nodules and fixes nitrogen in non - leguminous plants such as Alnus and Casuarina.
5. It produces multicellular sporangium.
6. Actinomyces bovis grows in oral cavities and cause lumpy jaw.
7. Streptomyces is a soil inhabiting actinobacterium and produces antibiotics like streptomycin, Tetracycline, etc.,