A Study of the Electrokinetic Properties of Some Actinomycete Spores

Abstract

SUMMARY: Microelectrophoresis of spores of the actinomycete genera Micromono- spora, Nocardia, Streptomyces and Thermoactinomyces at various pH values and after various modifying treatments indicated that Micromonospora and Streptomyces spores had amino and carboxyl surface groups. Thermoactinomyces spores and the bacillary or coccoid elements of Nocardia had carboxyl groups but not amino groups; their responses to lipase and sodium dodecyl sulphate suggested presence of lipid. All strains studied showed changes in mobility after treatment with lysozyme.