GRAMICIDIN Meaning and
Definition
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Gramicidin is a noun referring to a group of naturally occurring polypeptide antibiotics that are composed of alternating amino acids. It is primarily derived from certain strains of Bacillus brevis bacteria. This class of antibiotics exhibits potent activity against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including some strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Gramicidin is known for its ability to form channels in cell membranes, disrupting the integrity of these membranes and leading to the leakage of cellular contents, ultimately causing cell death. The channels formed by gramicidin allow the flow of ions across the membrane, disrupting the electrochemical gradients necessary for normal cellular function. Consequently, the disruption of the bacterial cell membrane results in the inhibition of bacterial growth and the eventual eradication of the infection.
Due to its mechanism of action, gramicidin is primarily used topically, such as in ointments, creams, or eye drops, to treat various superficial infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The potency of gramicidin against a broad spectrum of bacteria makes it a valuable tool in the medical field, particularly where other antibiotics may be ineffective. However, it should be noted that systemic use of gramicidin is limited due to the potential for toxicity in higher doses.
Common Misspellings for GRAMICIDIN
- framicidin
- vramicidin
- bramicidin
- hramicidin
- yramicidin
- tramicidin
- geamicidin
- gdamicidin
- gfamicidin
- gtamicidin
- g5amicidin
- g4amicidin
- grzmicidin
- grsmicidin
- grwmicidin
- grqmicidin
- granicidin
- grakicidin
- grajicidin
- oramicidin
Etymology of GRAMICIDIN
The word "gramicidin" comes from the combination of two components: "gram" and "cidin".
"Gram" refers to the Danish bacteriologist Hans Christian Gram, who developed the Gram stain, a technique used to classify bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups based on their cell wall characteristics. This staining method is widely used in microbiology. The term "gram" in "gramicidin" indicates its specific effect on Gram-positive bacteria.
"Cidin" is derived from the Latin word "caedere", which means "to kill" or "to cut". This component indicates the antibacterial properties or killing action of the substance.
Therefore, "gramicidin" literally means a killing agent targeted towards Gram-positive bacteria, combining the influence of Gram's staining technique and the antibacterial properties.
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