MERACTINOMYCIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Meractinomycin, also known as actinomycin D, is a naturally occurring antibiotic and antineoplastic agent that is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces parvulus. It belongs to the class of compounds known as actinomycins, which are characterized by their potent antimicrobial properties.
Meractinomycin works by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. It achieves this by binding to the DNA template and preventing the movement of RNA polymerase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of RNA molecules. By interfering with DNA and RNA replication, meractinomycin disrupts the normal cell cycle and inhibits cell growth and division.
Due to its mechanism of action, meractinomycin has been used as an effective treatment for various types of cancer, including leukemia, sarcoma, and certain solid tumors. It has also been employed as a research tool to study the processes of transcription and replication in cells.
Meractinomycin is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly, as it is not absorbed well when taken orally. It is important to note that this compound can have toxic effects on the body, particularly on the bone marrow, where it can inhibit the production of new blood cells. Therefore, its use must be carefully monitored and managed by healthcare professionals.
Common Misspellings for MERACTINOMYCIN
- Meractinomycif
- Meractinomycil
- Meractinomycio
- meractinnomycinn
- meractiknowmycin
- m eractinomycin
- me ractinomycin
- mer actinomycin
- mera ctinomycin
- merac tinomycin
- meract inomycin
- meracti nomycin
- meractin omycin
- meractino mycin
- meractinom ycin
- meractinomy cin
- meractinomyc in
- meractinomyci n
Etymology of MERACTINOMYCIN
The word "Meractinomycin" is a compound term derived from two components:
1. "Mer" is believed to originate from the word "meromycolate", which is a type of long fatty acid found in the cell walls of certain bacteria, specifically in the genus Mycobacterium.
2. "Actinomycin" refers to a class of natural antibiotics produced by certain Actinobacteria, a group of bacteria known for their ability to produce bioactive compounds.
By combining these two components, "Mer-" from meromycolate and "-actinomycin" from actinomycin, the word "Meractinomycin" was formed to describe a specific antibiotic compound derived from Actinobacteria that targets mycobacteria.
