The reason behind the unique earthy scent of rain in the air. The role of Actinomycetes in the production of the organic compound geosmin which is responsible for this distinct musky smell.

1. PETRICORE
THE SMELL OF RAIN
Shreyoshi
Chakraborty

2. •THE SMELL OF RAIN IS CALLED PETRICHOR.
•THE TERM PETROCHOR WAS COINED BY
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST DICK THOMAS IN
1964 TO DESCRIBE THE DISTINCT EARTHY
MUSKY SCENT OF RAIN IN THE AIR.

3. •THE ORGANIC COMPOUND RESPONSIBLE
FOR THIS UNIQUE SMELL IS GEOSMIN.

4. STRUCTURE OF GEOSMIN

5. •THIS COMPOUND IS PRODUCED BY
ACTINOMYCETES SPECIALLY
STREPTOMYCES.

6. STREPTOMYCES

7. •STREPTOMYCES PRODUCES GEOSMIN ALONG
WITH THE PRODUCTION OF SPORES. WHEN
THE RAIN SENDS THE SPORES UP INTO THE
AIR, IT RELEASES THE SMELL OF GEOSMIN.