Actinomycetes: A General Review

Abstract

Actinomycetes are the most prolific group of microorganisms. They are wide in distribution and known to occur in various environments. They produce various metabolites that are of industrial importance and therapeutic importance. These metabolites are known to control many human and plant pathogens. A huge number of currently used antibiotics including erythromycin, streptomycin, rifamycin and gentamycin, are isolated from soil and marine actinomycetes. This review summarizes about the actinomycetes from soil and marine environments including structure, taxonomy, pigmentation, advantages and disadvantages.