Induction, growth and antibiotic production of Streptomyces viridifaciens L-form bacteria.
OBJECTIVE
To induce, cultivate and investigate the characteristics of L-form bacteria derived from the filamentous actinomycete Streptomyces viridifaciens.


RESULTS
L-forms were induced in a liquid medium supplemented with lysozyme and penicillin. A stable culture which no longer required inducing agents but could still revert, was obtained by the twelfth subculture. The specific growth rate of stable L-forms was faster (0.751) than unstable L-forms (0.361). After the exponential growth phase, the cell diameter continued to increase, as did the percentage of vacuoles. Morphologically, the L-forms appeared as spherical bodies with no signs of differentiation and were sensitive to osmotic stress, indicating removal of the cell wall. The L-forms produced secondary metabolites although much lower levels of antibiotic were assayed in the L-forms compared with the cell walled forms.


CONCLUSIONS
Stable L-form bacteria were induced from S. viridifaciens and their growth characterized. The L-forms produced secondary metabolites.


CONCLUSIONS
Stable Streptomyces L-forms were induced and have potential as biocontrol agents.
Innes
C M
CM
Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen, UK. c.innes@abdn.ac.uk
Allan
E J
EJ
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003470:Culture Media; D007740:L Forms / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013302:Streptomyces / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D013752:Tetracycline