streptomyces

8.6

A type of bacteria that lives in soil and makes antibiotics

noun
/strɛpˈtoʊmaɪsiːz/

Specialized

: estreptomyces

Streptomyces bacteria are used in laboratories to produce antibiotics like streptomycin.

Examples

Streptomyces is a key genus studied in microbiology due to its antibiotic properties.
The soil sample contained several strains of streptomyces important for pharmaceutical research.
Researchers discovered that streptomyces bacteria can produce a variety of antibiotics.
The streptomyces bacteria are essential for producing antibiotics.
Some species of streptomyces can be found in soil.
Researchers identified various streptomyces strains that can synthesize natural antibiotics.
In agricultural studies, streptomyces species are recognized for their ability to enhance soil health.

Compounds

Streptomyces erythreus

Specialized

8.7

A kind of bacteria that makes the antibiotic erythromycin used to treat infections

Streptomyces scabies

Specialized

7.7

A bacterium that makes brown, rough spots on potatoes

Surface Forms

streptomyces singular

streptomyceses plural

Etymology

Streptomyces comes from Greek parts strepto- meaning 'twisted' and -myces meaning 'fungus'. These soil bacteria grow as twisted, fungus-like threads, which helps you remember they are microbes famous for making antibiotics such as streptomycin.