Mechanisms of Antibiotics Resistance

Ampicilin - binds to and inhibits a number of enzymes in the bacterial membrane that are involved in the synthesis of the cell wall. The ampr gene on the plasmid codes for an enzyme that is secreted into the peiplasmic space of the bacterium, where it catalyzes hydrolysis of the B-lactam ring, with concomitant detoxification of the drug.

Chloramphenicol - binds to the ribosomal 50S subunit and inhibits protein synthesis. The Camr gene codes for a tetrameric , cytosolic protein (MW of each subunit 23,000) that in the presence of acetyl coenzyme A, catalyzes the formation of hydroxyl acetoxy derivatives of chloraphenicol that are unable to bind to the ribosomes.

Kanamycin - binds to ribosomal components and inhibits protein synthesis.

Tetracyclin - binds to a protein of the 30S subunit of the ribosome and inhibits ribosomal translocation. The tetr gene encodes a membrane associated protein that prevents the antibiotics from entering the cell.

The tutorial Antibiotics Attack gives detailed information on antibiotics, their function, and their targets. It includes animations & quizzes.

Stock Preparation
(Concentrated X 1000)
Antibiotics
Stock Concentration
Storage
Comments
Ampicillin
50-100 mg/ml in H2O
-20

High level expression of ß-lactamase can destroy ampicillin in the medium surrounding the Amp resistant colonies,allowing Amp sensitive satellite colonies to grow.

Chloramphenicol
34 mg/ml in ethanol
-20
 
Kanamycin
10-30 mg/ml in H2O
-20
High levels of Kan resistance are not expressed if the pH of the medium is less than 7.2.
Tetracycline
12.5 mg/ml in ethanol
-20
Light sensitive.Wrap Tet vials and plates in alu foil. Use media without magnesium salts (e.g., LB), because the magnesium ions antagonise tetracycline action.

Different concentrations should be used for maintenance of  low- or high-copy number plasmids, respectively.


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