Streptomycin

Definition

Streptomycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, particularly tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, leading to their death.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Streptomycin was the first antibiotic effective against tuberculosis and was discovered in 1943.
2. It belongs to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics and primarily targets gram-negative bacteria.
3. Streptomycin inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes.
4. Resistance to streptomycin can occur through mutations in the rpsL gene or other mechanisms affecting drug uptake.
5. It is administered via intramuscular injection due to poor oral absorption.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mechanism of action for streptomycin?
• Which class of antibiotics does streptomycin belong to?
• How does bacterial resistance to streptomycin typically develop?

Related terms

Aminoglycosides: A class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to ribosomal subunits.

Tuberculosis: A serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs.

rpsL gene: A gene encoding a protein component of the 30S ribosomal subunit; mutations here can confer resistance to streptomycin.