This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Reusser, F. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Reusser, F.

Mode of Action of Streptozotocin

¹ The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

ABSTRACT

Streptozotocin induces rapid degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in actively dividing or resting Bacillus subtilis cells. Difference spectroscopy showed that the antibiotic interacts specifically with cytosine containing mononucleotides in vitro. This interference occurs only within the very narrow pH range of 5 to 5.5 and is reversed immediately upon lowering or increasing the pH. No measurable interaction was observed between isolated DNA and streptozotocin. The possibility is discussed that interaction of streptozotocin with cytosine residues in cellular DNA, although possibly taking place at a very low frequency, may constitute the primary step inducing DNA strand breakage.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Riemann, L., Azam, F. (2002). Widespread N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine Uptake among Pelagic Marine Bacteria and Its Ecological Implications. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68: 5554-5562 [Abstract] [Full Text]