Vol. 6, Issue 11 (2017)

Author(s):
Rajinder Kaur, Santosh Kumar Singh, Rajanbir Kaur, Arpna Kumari, and Ramandeep Kaur

Abstract:
Myxococcus xanthus, a unique soil dwelling myxobacteria is omnivore in nature which feeds on other microbes. Having a multicellular social lifestyle, this bacterium is unique in its own way. The multicellular behaviour involves scouting, gliding, branching, fruiting and rippling. Being omnivore in nature it uses its attacking strategy to attack and lyse its prey for nutrient absorption. Its complex life cycle involves a growth phases which mainly depends upon environmental conditions. This bacterium produces myxospores which makes them heat-resistant, UV and desiccation resistant. M. xanthus is known to be producing secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and hydrolytic enzymes to kill and lyse prey cells. Low molecular weight antibacterial produced by them autolyse self-cells (autocides) and other microbes (paracides). The important paracides produced by them are myxovirescin A and myxalamid B and important autocides are AMI and AMV. Due to its antimicrobial producing efficiency, it is used as natural bio-control agent against many pathogens.