Effect of Penicillin on Streptomycin Production by Streptomyces griseus

Abstract

The correlation between the biosynthesis of the cell wall and the formation of streptomycin (SM) in Streptomyces griseus , influenced by a specific inhibitor of cell wall synthesis, was investigated. Penicillin, in subinhibitory concentrations (1 to 5 μg/ml), was added to cultures of S. griseus in different stages of its life cycle. The inhibitor decreased SM production, when young cultures were treated; however, there was an increase in SM formation when penicillin was added to older cultures. The explanation for these findings is discussed in detail.