Hygromycin

Hygromycin is an antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It is used as a selective agent in molecular biology, particularly in the creation of transgenic organisms.

History

Hygromycin was first isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus in the 1950s. It was initially used as an antibiotic in veterinary medicine, particularly for swine dysentery and bacterial enteritis in chickens.

Mechanism of action

Hygromycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis. It does this by interfering with the translocation process, which is the movement of the mRNA and tRNA molecules within the ribosome during protein synthesis. This causes premature termination of the protein chain, leading to the death of the cell.

Use in molecular biology

In molecular biology, hygromycin is used as a selective agent to identify and isolate cells that have taken up foreign DNA. Cells that have been successfully transformed with the foreign DNA are able to express a resistance gene to hygromycin, allowing them to survive in its presence. This makes hygromycin a useful tool in the creation of transgenic organisms.

Safety

While hygromycin is generally safe for use in the laboratory, it can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It is recommended to use appropriate safety equipment when handling hygromycin.

See also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Genetic engineering
• Molecular biology
• Protein synthesis
• Transgenic organisms