Any bacterium belonging to the group characterized by filamentous, branching growth patterns similar to fungi; commonly found in soil and important in decomposition.
From actino- (Greek aktis 'ray') + -mycete (Greek mykes 'fungus'). Named for their ray-like, fungal appearance despite being bacteria.
Actinomycetes are nature's recyclers—they break down dead plants and animals in soil, and they're so powerful at chemistry that we've borrowed their genes to produce about 70% of all antibiotics we use in medicine!
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