ANTIMYCIN A Meaning and
Definition
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Antimycin A is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the class of antimicrobial agents known as antibiotics. It is primarily derived from the bacterium Streptomyces species, although it has also been found in other microorganisms. Antimycin A has a complex chemical structure consisting of a polyketide lactone ring and several conjugated double bonds.
This compound is known for its potent inhibitory effects on the electron transport chain within living cells, specifically targeting the protein complex III, also known as cytochrome bc1 complex. By binding to and blocking the action of this enzyme, antimycin A disrupts the transfer of electrons along the mitochondrial respiratory chain, thus hindering cellular respiration and ultimately leading to altered energy metabolism. As a result, it can interfere with the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of cells.
In addition to its antimicrobial activity, antimycin A has been extensively studied as a tool in scientific research. It has been employed as a biochemical probe to investigate various physiological processes, including cellular respiration, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Moreover, antimycin A has also demonstrated potential anticancer properties, showing selective toxicity towards certain types of cancer cells, although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action in this context.
Overall, antimycin A plays a crucial role in the field of microbiology and biomedical research, as well as offering potential applications in the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Common Misspellings for ANTIMYCIN A
- zntimycin a
- sntimycin a
- wntimycin a
- qntimycin a
- abtimycin a
- amtimycin a
- ajtimycin a
- ahtimycin a
- anrimycin a
- anfimycin a
- angimycin a
- anyimycin a
- an6imycin a
- an5imycin a
- antumycin a
- antjmycin a
- antkmycin a
- antomycin a
- ant9mycin a
- ant8mycin a
Etymology of ANTIMYCIN A
The word "Antimycin A" is derived from two components: "antimycin" and the letter "A".
The term "antimycin" comes from two Greek words: "anti", meaning against, and "myc", meaning fungus. "Myc" is from the Greek word "mykes", meaning mushroom. Therefore, "antimycin" can be translated as "against fungi".
The letter "A" signifies that "Antimycin A" is the first discovered and most important member of a family of related compounds.
Overall, the etymology of "Antimycin A" highlights its antifungal properties and its position as the initial member of a series of compounds.
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