Streptomyces differs from Actinomyces because Streptomyces A) is an archaea. B) produces conidia. C) forms filaments. D) is a strict aerobe. E) is a bacterium.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) produces conidia.
Explanation:
Streptomyces and Actinomyces are both types of bacteria that share some similarities, such as forming filamentous structures, but they also exhibit distinct differences, particularly in their reproductive methods.
- Streptomyces Produces Conidia:
One of the key differences between Streptomyces and Actinomyces is the way they reproduce. Streptomyces bacteria produce specialized reproductive spores called conidia, which are a type of asexual spore. These spores are formed on aerial hyphae (filaments that grow above the surface of the medium) and help the bacteria to spread to new environments. The conidia are dry, airborne, and can germinate to form new colonies when they land in a suitable location. - Actinomyces does not produce conidia. Instead, it typically forms branching filaments or mycelium, but these filaments are involved in growth and not in the formation of spores. Actinomyces typically reproduces via binary fission and does not rely on conidia for its reproductive cycle.
- Filamentous Structure: Both Streptomyces and Actinomyces form filamentous structures, but this is not the distinguishing feature between them. The ability to form filaments is common to several genera within the order Actinobacteria.
- Strict Aerobe: While Streptomyces is a strict aerobe, requiring oxygen for its growth, this is not a distinguishing factor because Actinomyces can be either aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, depending on the species.
- Archaea: Neither Streptomyces nor Actinomyces are archaea. Both are classified as bacteria under the Actinobacteria phylum, not as archaea.
In summary, the production of conidia by Streptomyces is the characteristic feature that differentiates it from Actinomyces.