Saccharopolyspora erythraea

Saccharopolyspora erythraea is a Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming actinomycete that is well-known for its role in the production of the antibiotic erythromycin. This species was first isolated from a soil sample in the Philippines and has since been found in various other locations around the world.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The genus Saccharopolyspora was first proposed in 1983 to accommodate the species Saccharopolyspora hirsuta, which was previously classified as a member of the genus Nocardiopsis. The species Saccharopolyspora erythraea was subsequently transferred to this new genus from the genus Streptomyces.

Morphology[edit | edit source]

Saccharopolyspora erythraea forms aerial hyphae that differentiate into chains of spores. The spores are smooth and oval in shape, and are typically 0.5-1.0 µm in diameter. The aerial hyphae are typically white to pale yellow in color, while the substrate mycelium is typically orange to red.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

Saccharopolyspora erythraea is capable of utilizing a wide range of carbon sources, including glucose, sucrose, maltose, and starch. It is also capable of utilizing nitrate as a nitrogen source. The species is thermophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 28-37°C.

Erythromycin production[edit | edit source]

Saccharopolyspora erythraea is best known for its ability to produce the antibiotic erythromycin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. The biosynthesis of erythromycin by S. erythraea involves a complex series of enzymatic reactions, and is a subject of ongoing research.

References[edit | edit source]

Saccharopolyspora erythraea Resources
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