Teixobactin

Definition

Teixobactin is a novel antibiotic discovered in 2015 that shows effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria by binding to lipid II and lipid III, crucial components in cell wall synthesis. It is noted for its potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teixobactin was discovered using the iChip technology which allows the cultivation of previously unculturable microorganisms.
2. It targets Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
3. Teixobactin inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to lipid II and lipid III.
4. It has shown no detectable resistance development in laboratory settings so far.
5. Teixobactin is derived from soil-dwelling bacterium Eleftheria terrae.

Review Questions

• What type of bacteria does Teixobactin primarily target?
• How does Teixobactin inhibit bacterial growth?
• Which discovery technology was used to find Teixobactin?

Related terms

iChip: A device used to isolate and grow previously unculturable microorganisms.

Lipid II: A molecule involved in the synthesis of bacterial cell walls and a target for antibiotics like teixobactin.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): A type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics.