How Do You Spell CERULENIN?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛɹuːlənˌɪn] (IPA)

Cerulenin (/serjʊˈliːnɪn/) is a natural antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces bacterium, which is often used in research to uncover the function of fatty acid synthase enzymes. The word Cerulenin is derived from the Latin word ‘ceruleus,’ meaning "sky blue," due to the blue-green color of this antibiotic compound. The phonetic transcription of this word highlights the stress on the second syllable, ‘-le-,' with a sequence of schwa, j, and y sounds preceding it. The IPA transcription of this word helps to illustrate its pronunciation and aid in language learning.

CERULENIN Meaning and Definition

1. Cerulenin is a naturally occurring potent antibiotic and antimicrobial compound derived from the bacterium Cephalosporium caeruleum. It is structurally classified as a polyketide, meaning it is synthesized through the condensation of several acetyl-CoA subunits. Cerulenin is known for its ability to inhibit fatty acid synthesis in bacteria, fungi, and plants, making it a valuable tool for studying lipid metabolism and related processes.

   In terms of its mechanism of action, cerulenin specifically targets the enzyme β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase (FabB), an essential component of the fatty acid synthesis pathway. It irreversibly binds to the active site of this enzyme, preventing the formation of new fatty acids. This disruption results in the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, an intermediate compound in the fatty acid synthesis process, ultimately leading to the inhibition of cell growth and proliferation.

   Due to its inhibitory effects on fatty acid synthesis, cerulenin has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic applications. Researchers have investigated its potential role in treating various infectious diseases, including malaria, as well as its potential as an anti-cancer agent. Additionally, cerulenin has also been used as a tool in biochemical research to elucidate the complex processes of lipid metabolism and to study the function of fatty acid synthesis enzymes.

   In summary, cerulenin is a naturally occurring antibiotic compound that inhibits fatty acid synthesis by targeting the enzyme β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase. Its potent antimicrobial properties and its ability to disrupt essential metabolic pathways make it an important molecule for both therapeutic and research purposes.

Common Misspellings for CERULENIN

• ceeulenin

Etymology of CERULENIN

The word "Cerulenin" is derived from the Latin term "caerulus", meaning "sky blue" or "deep blue", combined with the suffix "-enin".

This naming convention refers to the chemical compound's blue color and is commonly used in chemistry to name compounds based on their physical characteristics or properties. Cerulenin is a yellowish-blue antibiotic compound isolated from the bacterium Cephalosporium caeruleans.

Therefore, the name "Cerulenin" signifies the blue coloration of the compound.