Pyocyanin
Pyocyanin
Pyocyanin (pronunciation: /ˌpaɪoʊˈsaɪənɪn/) is a blue-green pigment produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is a phenazine compound and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections.
Etymology
The term "pyocyanin" is derived from the Greek words "pyo", meaning "pus", and "kyanos", meaning "dark blue". This refers to the blue-green color of pus in wounds infected with P. aeruginosa.
Function
Pyocyanin has multiple functions in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections. It can generate reactive oxygen species, interfere with cellular functions, and induce cell death in host tissues. Pyocyanin also plays a role in the bacterium's biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance.
Related Terms
- Phenazine: A class of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds to which pyocyanin belongs.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A common bacterium that can cause disease in animals, including humans. It is the bacterium that produces pyocyanin.
- Biofilm: A complex community of microorganisms that stick to each other and often also to a surface, enclosed in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substance.
- Reactive Oxygen Species: Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, which are produced as a natural byproduct of the normal metabolism of oxygen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyocyanin
- Wikipedia's article - Pyocyanin
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