Deep within the soil lives a bacterium: Streptomyces coelicolor. Unlike many other bacteria, this soil bacterium grows in long, branched filaments. Under the microscope, it therefore resembles a fungus rather than a typical bacterium.
Its colour is also striking. S. coelicolor produces various pigments, including actinorhodin: a substance that gives it its characteristic blue colour and possesses antibiotic properties. Such substances can inhibit the growth of other micro-organisms in the soil.
Due to its unusual life cycle and production of various substances, S. coelicolor is an important model organism for scientists. Research into this bacterium helps us to better understand how bacteria develop and produce substances such as antibiotics.
Branched filaments, spores and a striking blue pigment: under the microscope, this soil bacterium looks very different from what you might expect.
Come by this month and find out all about the microbe of the month.
