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 high-mountain lake La Caldera (Sierra Nevada, Spain; altitude 3040 m) were characterized morphologically and by their biochemical parameters. The strains were identified as Streptomyces galbus by using traditional schemes of Szabo et al. (1975) and Locci (1986). According to the 16S rDNA sequence determination one representative strain showed highest (99.34 %) similarity to Streptomyces galbus. All strains have a wide spectrum of biochemical activities (gelatinase, nitrate reduction, utilization of sugars). However, they cannot utilize resistant biopolymers, such as cellulose. They show considerable antibiosis to Bacillus cereus.