How Do You Spell KANAMYCIN A?

Pronunciation: [kˈanɐmˌɪsɪn ˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

Kanamycin A is an antibiotic derived from the bacteria Streptomyces kanamyceticus. The spelling of this word is phonetically transcribed as /kænəmaɪsɪn eɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short ‘a’ sound, followed by the ‘n’ consonant with a schwa vowel sound. The ‘m’ consonant is pronounced, followed by the long ‘i’ vowel sound. The ‘s’ and ‘t’ consonants are pronounced, and the final syllable is pronounced with the long ‘a’ vowel sound. This transcription shows the precise sounds required to correctly pronounce Kanamycin A.

KANAMYCIN A Meaning and Definition

1. Kanamycin A is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is primarily used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of antibiotics known as aminocyclitols and is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces kanamyceticus.

   Kanamycin A works by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins in bacteria, thus preventing them from growing and multiplying. It achieves this by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, disrupting the formation of the initiation complex and interfering with the reading of the genetic code.

   This antibiotic is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative species. It is particularly useful in treating infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics, making it a valuable option in clinical practice.

   Although kanamycin A can be administered orally, it is primarily given intravenously or intramuscularly to maximize its absorption and distribution in the body. As with other aminoglycosides, kanamycin A can have potential side effects, including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and ototoxicity (hearing loss). Therefore, close monitoring of kidney function and a patient's hearing should be carried out during treatment.

   In conclusion, kanamycin A is a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic that is widely used to treat bacterial infections. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, and it exhibits activity against various bacteria. However, it should be used cautiously due to its potential side effects.

Common Misspellings for KANAMYCIN A

• Kanamicin A

Etymology of KANAMYCIN A

The etymology of the word "Kanamycin A" can be understood by breaking it down into its components:

1. Kanamycin: The term "kanamycin" is derived from the name of the bacterium from which it was originally isolated, Streptomyces kanamyceticus. This bacterium was discovered in the 1950s by a Japanese researcher, Hamao Umezawa.

2. A: The letter "A" in "Kanamycin A" signifies that it is the first discovered form of kanamycin. Later, other variations of the antibiotic were identified, such as Kanamycin B, C, and so on.

Therefore, "Kanamycin A" is named after the source bacterium (Streptomyces kanamyceticus) and signifies the first variant of the kanamycin antibiotic series.