Hygromycin B
From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia
- Hygromycin B is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used in molecular biology and biotechnology research.
- It is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus and belongs to the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics.
- Hygromycin B exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and higher eukaryotic cells, making it a valuable tool in various experimental applications.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
- Hygromycin B acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in cells.
- It specifically targets the 70S ribosome, a crucial component involved in protein translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- The antibiotic binds to the A site of the ribosome, interfering with the elongation phase of protein synthesis.
- This binding prevents the transfer of peptidyl-tRNA from the A site to the P site, ultimately leading to premature termination of protein synthesis and cell death.
Uses[edit | edit source]
- One of the primary uses of hygromycin B is as a selection agent in molecular biology experiments.
- The antibiotic is often incorporated into growth media to select for cells that have been genetically modified or transfected with a hygromycin resistance gene.
- The presence of hygromycin B in the medium allows only the cells that have successfully integrated the resistance gene to survive and proliferate.
- This property makes hygromycin B an essential tool in the generation of stable cell lines and the study of gene function.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Agent[edit | edit source]
- Hygromycin B demonstrates potent antifungal and antibacterial activity, which has led to its use in combating infections caused by susceptible organisms.
- It can be applied topically or administered systemically to treat infections caused by certain fungi and bacteria.
- However, it is important to note that hygromycin B may not be effective against all types of microbial pathogens, and susceptibility testing should be conducted to determine its appropriateness for specific infections.
Side Effects and Precautions[edit | edit source]
- Although hygromycin B is widely used in laboratory settings, it is essential to handle the antibiotic with caution due to its potential toxicity.
- Direct contact with hygromycin B can cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.
- Inhalation or ingestion of the antibiotic may lead to more severe health effects.
- It is crucial to follow appropriate safety guidelines, wear protective clothing and equipment, and work in a well-ventilated area when using hygromycin B.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Protein synthesis
- Gene transfection
- Stable cell lines
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