[The nucleases of oxytetracycline producing actinomycetes]

The activity of exocellular nucleases, especially RNase, differs among cultures producing oxytetracycline, and belonging or similar to Actinomyces rimosus, and cultures which are not related to this species. The activity of RNase therefore may be regarded as an additional taxonomic characteristic within the species Act. rimosus. Formation of various enzymes involved in synthesis of nucleic acids was studied with the strain of Act. re end of fermentation, the content of the antibiotic and the activity of exocellular and endocellular RNases and DNases in the cultural broth were maximal. The cultural broth therefore may be used as a source of both oxytetracycline and nucleases.