Saccharopolyspora Spinosa
by Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/science Photo Library
Title
Saccharopolyspora Spinosa
Artist
Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Saccharopolyspora spinosa, Gram-positive, aerobic, filamentous, rod prokaryote (bacterium). S. spinosa is a soil actinomycete that belongs to the Actinomycetes group and are bacteria that share many characteristics with fungi. They grow usually as filaments (chains of cells) and often branch to form a network of filaments (mycelium) in the soil. These soil bacteria are responsible for the musty odour of soil. S. spinosa was first identified in 1982 and subsequently a new class of metabolite products (called spinosyns) were discovered that had insecticide properties. The first insecticide product from this class of metabolites has been called Spinosad. These compounds have a unique mode of action coupled with a high degree of activity on targeted pests (especially caterpillars and flies) with low toxicity to non-target organisms. Magnification: x2,000 when shortest axis printed at 25
Uploaded
September 12th, 2018
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