Bialaphos

Bialaphos is a tripeptide antibiotic that is produced by several species of Streptomyces. It is a potent inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle of plants and bacteria.

History

Bialaphos was first isolated in the 1970s from the soil bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. The discovery of bialaphos and its unique mode of action led to the development of glufosinate, a broad-spectrum herbicide that is widely used in agriculture.

Structure and Biosynthesis

Bialaphos is a tripeptide composed of alanine, theanine, and phosphinothricin. The biosynthesis of bialaphos involves several enzymes, including nonribosomal peptide synthetases and phosphinothricin tripeptide synthetase.

Mode of Action

Bialaphos inhibits glutamine synthetase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamate and ammonia into glutamine. This inhibition disrupts the nitrogen cycle, leading to the death of the organism.

Uses

Bialaphos is used as a selective agent in the production of genetically modified crops that are resistant to glufosinate. It is also used in research to study the function of glutamine synthetase and the nitrogen cycle.

See Also

• Glufosinate
• Streptomyces hygroscopicus
• Glutamine synthetase
• Nitrogen cycle

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