How Do You Spell POLYPEPTIDE ANTIBIOTICS?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪpˈɛpta͡ɪd ˌantɪba͡ɪˈɒtɪks] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the term "polypeptide antibiotics" is pronounced as /pɑlɪpɛptaid ˌæntibaiˈɑtɪks/. This word can be broken down into three parts - poly, peptide, and antibiotics. "Poly" means multiple, "peptide" refers to a chain of amino acids, and "antibiotics" are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Therefore, "polypeptide antibiotics" refer to a group of antibiotics that are made up of chains of amino acids. The correct spelling is important for both proper communication and scientific accuracy.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

POLYPEPTIDE ANTIBIOTICS Meaning and Definition

  1. Polypeptide antibiotics are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents derived from living organisms, particularly bacteria.

    Polypeptides are long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These antibiotics are characterized by their complex structure, consisting of multiple such amino acids. They are typically produced by microorganisms as a defense mechanism against other competing bacteria or substances. Polypeptide antibiotics have been found to possess potent antimicrobial properties, making them useful in the treatment of bacterial infections.

    These antibiotics function by interfering with various essential cellular processes in bacteria. They can inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, inhibit protein synthesis, or disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. Polypeptide antibiotics can also enhance the immune response by stimulating the production of specific antibodies.

    Polypeptide antibiotics are known for their broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. Some well-known examples of polypeptide antibiotics include polymyxins, bacitracin, and gramicidin. These antibiotics are commonly used in both clinical and veterinary medicine.

    It is important to note that due to their complex structure and mode of action, polypeptide antibiotics may also have certain limitations and side effects. They may have the potential to cause toxicity and allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance poses a challenge in the continued use of polypeptide antibiotics as therapeutic agents.

Etymology of POLYPEPTIDE ANTIBIOTICS

The word "polypeptide antibiotics" consists of two main parts: "polypeptide" and "antibiotics".

1. Polypeptide: The term "polypeptide" comes from the combination of two words. The first part, "poly-", is derived from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "multiple". The second part, "-peptide", refers to a chain of amino acids forming a protein or peptide molecule. Therefore, "polypeptide" refers to a molecule with multiple amino acids linked together.

2. Antibiotics: The word "antibiotics" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning "against", and "bios", meaning "life". The term was coined by the Nobel laureate Selman Waksman in 1942 to describe substances produced by microorganisms that are capable of inhibiting or killing bacteria.