POLYPEPTIDE ANTIBIOTICS Meaning and
Definition
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Polypeptide antibiotics are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents derived from living organisms, particularly bacteria.
Polypeptides are long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These antibiotics are characterized by their complex structure, consisting of multiple such amino acids. They are typically produced by microorganisms as a defense mechanism against other competing bacteria or substances. Polypeptide antibiotics have been found to possess potent antimicrobial properties, making them useful in the treatment of bacterial infections.
These antibiotics function by interfering with various essential cellular processes in bacteria. They can inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, inhibit protein synthesis, or disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. Polypeptide antibiotics can also enhance the immune response by stimulating the production of specific antibodies.
Polypeptide antibiotics are known for their broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. Some well-known examples of polypeptide antibiotics include polymyxins, bacitracin, and gramicidin. These antibiotics are commonly used in both clinical and veterinary medicine.
It is important to note that due to their complex structure and mode of action, polypeptide antibiotics may also have certain limitations and side effects. They may have the potential to cause toxicity and allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance poses a challenge in the continued use of polypeptide antibiotics as therapeutic agents.
Etymology of POLYPEPTIDE ANTIBIOTICS
The word "polypeptide antibiotics" consists of two main parts: "polypeptide" and "antibiotics".
1. Polypeptide: The term "polypeptide" comes from the combination of two words. The first part, "poly-", is derived from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "multiple". The second part, "-peptide", refers to a chain of amino acids forming a protein or peptide molecule. Therefore, "polypeptide" refers to a molecule with multiple amino acids linked together.
2. Antibiotics: The word "antibiotics" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning "against", and "bios", meaning "life". The term was coined by the Nobel laureate Selman Waksman in 1942 to describe substances produced by microorganisms that are capable of inhibiting or killing bacteria.
