Antibiotic biosynthesis and secondary metabolism in high-yielding strains of Streptomyces, Penicillium chrysogenumand Acremonium chrysogenum

In this article, the secondary metabolism as a basis for antibiotics production by industrial strains of Streptomyces, Penicillium chrysogenum and Acremonium chrysogenum is discussed. Images from transmission electron microscopy reveal some important features of the mycelial cells which are related to antibiotics biosynthesis. This discovery is important for further industrial strain improvement and has economic significance. Possibilities of new strategies for antimicrobial treatment are discussed.

1. Introduction. 2. Industrial strain improvements. 3. The pathways of antibiotic biosynthesis by Streptomyces spp. 4. Compartmentalization in antibiotic biosynthesis by Streptomyces spp. 5. The pathway of penicillin G biosynthesis by Penicillium chrysogenum. 6. Compartmentalization in penicillin G biosynthesis by Penicillium chrysogenum. 7. The pathway of cephalosporin C biosynthesis by Acremonium chrysogenum.8. Compartmentalization in cephalosporin biosynthesis by Acremonium chrysogenum. 9. The future of antibiotic therapy. 10. Conclusions