Identification and biochemical characterization of Streptomyces galbus from the sediment of the high-mountain lake La Caldera (Sierra Nevada, Spain)

Thirteen bacterial strains isolated from the shoreline sediments of the hig h-mountain lake La Caldera (Sierra Nevada, Spain; altitude 3040 m) were cha racterized morphologically and by their biochemical parameters. The strains were identified as Streptomyces galbus by using traditional schemes of Sza bo et al. (1975) and Locci (1986). According to the 16S rDNA sequence deter mination one representative strain showed highest (99.34 %) similarity to S treptomyces galbus. All strains have a wide spectrum of biochemical activit ies (gelatinase, nitrate reduction, utilization of sugars). However, they c annot utilize resistant biopolymers, such as cellulose. They show considera ble antibiosis to Bacillus cereus.