Question

Antibiotic Flavicin is obtained from
A. Aspergillus flavus
B. Aspergillus clavatus
C. Streptomyces griseus
D. Streptomyces fradiae

Answer 1

Flavicin is an antibacterial agent which is obtained from a fungus. This fungus is a mould which grows on peanut plants. It also inhibits fungal growth.

Complete Answer: -
Antibiotics are the chemical agents which work by inhibiting the growth of other microbial agents. They either inhibit or kill the microbes. The most commonly used antibiotics work as antibacterial agents. They can also work as antifungal or antiprotozoal agents. The antibiotics do not work on viruses.
Flavicin is an antibiotic which is produced by Aspergillus flavus. It is a fungi which is saprotrophic as well as pathogenic. This pathogen affects cereal crops, legumes etc. They affect the pre harvest stage showing no symptoms and last till postharvest. They produce toxins called mycotoxins which act as toxins against mammals.
Aspergillus clavatus - It is a fungal species which are found in soil and manure. They produce toxin patulin which are pathogenic. It produces clavacin which is used for treating common colds.
Streptomyces griseus - It is a gram-positive bacterium which is found in soil. It produces antibiotic streptomycin.
Streptomyces fradiae - It is an Actinobacteria. It produces an antifungal agent called Fradicin. It is also used to produce neomycin, tylosin etc.

Hence the correct answer is option A.

Note: - Aspergillus is a genus which includes pathogenic and commercially important moulds. They reproduce by forming asexual spores. They can survive in excess salt and sugar environments. Aspergillus niger is used commercially to produce antibiotics, enzymes and also citric acid. Other species are used in fermentation.