Streptomycin- and penicillin-induced inhibition of growth and pigment production in blue-green algae and production of strains of Anacystis nidulans resistant to these antibiotics

Abstract

Relatively low concentrations of streptomycin inhibited the growth of Anacystis nidulans and Anabaena variabilis. The production of chlorophyll, carotenoid, and phycocyanin pigments in these algae was significantly but reversibly inhibited by streptomycin. Strains of Anacystis nidulans that are resistant to streptomycin and penicillin were produced by serially subculturing the alga in gradually increasing concentrations of the respective antibiotic. These strains seem stable. Evidence which suggests that the resistant strains originate primarily by mutation is presented.