[Chemical composition of the cell wall of Streptomyces chrysomallus which produces the antibiotic aurantin]

Abstract

The cell wall chemical composition of Streptomyces chrysomallus producing the antibiotic aurantin was studied. The cell wall represents 11--13% of the dry cell weight and contains three major polymers, namely, peptidoglycan, ribitol teichoic acid and a polysaccharide. Each muramic acid of peptidoglycan has a peptide subunit which consists of two alanine residues, glutamic acid and diaminopimelic acid residues. Peptide chains are connected with bridges consisting of one glycine residue. The poly(ribitol phosphate) chain contains glucosyl substituents and O-acetyl groups. The main monosaccharides of the polysaccharide are glucose and galactose; mannose, fucose and galactosamine are found in minor amounts. The composition of the cell wall changes during cell development and aging: the content of teichoic acid decreases while that of the polysaccharide increases. Possible factors causing these changes are discussed.