Valinomycin
Valinomycin
Valinomycin (pronounced: vah-lih-noh-mycin) is a naturally occurring dodecadepsipeptide that is produced by the Streptomyces species of bacteria.
Etymology
The term "Valinomycin" is derived from the amino acid valine, which is one of the constituents of this compound, and the Greek word "mykes" meaning fungus, referring to its bacterial origin.
Description
Valinomycin is a cyclic peptide that has a unique structure, consisting of alternating d-amino acids and l-amino acids. It is known for its ability to transport potassium ions across cell membranes, a property that has made it useful in scientific research.
Related Terms
- Dodecadepsipeptide: A type of peptide that contains twelve amino acids and is cyclic in nature.
- Streptomyces: A genus of bacteria that is known for producing a large number of antibiotics.
- Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins, which are essential for all life forms.
- Valine: An essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Peptide: A short chain of amino acids that are linked by peptide bonds.
- Potassium Ions: A type of ion that is essential for the functioning of nerve and muscle cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Valinomycin
- Wikipedia's article - Valinomycin
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