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Beyond the great interest in Actinomycetota for their soil role, much is yet to be learned about them. Although currently understood primarily as soil bacteria, they might be more abundant in fresh waters. [6] Actinomycetota is one of the dominant bacterial phyla and contains one of the largest of bacterial genera, Streptomyces. [7]
Actinomyces species are ubiquitous, occurring in soil and in the microbiota of animals, including the human microbiota. They are known for the important role they play in soil ecology; they produce a number of enzymes that help degrade organic plant material, lignin, and chitin. Thus, their presence is important in the formation of compost.
Soil microorganisms can be classified as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae and protozoa. Each of these groups has characteristics that define them and their functions in soil. [6] [7] Up to 10 billion bacterial cells inhabit each gram of soil in and around plant roots, a region known as the rhizosphere.
Actinomycetales can be found mostly in soil and decaying organic matter, as well as in living organisms such as humans and animals. They form symbiotic nitrogen fixing associations with over 200 species of plants, and can also serve as growth promoting or biocontrol agents, or cause disease in some species of plants.
Frankia may be an advantage for degraded soil. Degraded soil is known as soil that is heavy metal rich or nutrient depleted due to a drought. Frankia is a nitrogen-fixed organism, explaining why it is able to resist heavy metals. [8] [clarification needed] Frankia is a gram-positive Bacteria that is found on the roots of plants.
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Species belonging to Actinomyces are abundant in diverse environments, ranging from soil and aquatic habitats to the human microbiome. [9] [13] In soil environments, Actinomycetes act as decomposers breaking down organic compounds. This ability contributes to soil fertility, plant health, and nutrient cycling. [13]
Streptomyces is the largest genus of Actinomycetota, and the type genus of the family Streptomycetaceae. [3] Over 700 species of Streptomyces bacteria have been described. [4] [5] [6] As with the other Actinomycetota, streptomycetes are gram-positive, and have very large genomes with high GC content.