Description
G-418 is an aminoglycoside antibioticum and is applied as a selective agent in transformation experiments. The antibioticum binds to the 30S subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis as well as generating errors in the transcription of the genetic code. Ribosomes of mitochondria and chloroplasts of higher plants are related to bacterial ribosomes and are also susceptible to aminoglycosides. Being a derivative of gentamycin, the antibioticum contains a additional 3’OH that can be phosphorylated by NPT II. As a result of this phosporylation, the charge and the steriometric conformation of the G-418 molecule changes in such a way that the antibioticum is no longer capable of binding to the specific ribosome binding sites.G-418 is used as an alternative for kanamycin in monocots, e.g., rice, Lolium, Graminea which are highly resistant to the latter. In all cases G-418 was shown to be more effective. This is most probably due to the better binding characteristics of the gentamycine shaped structure of G-418.
Technical info
Storage condition
- Store at 2-8 °C
- Soluble in water
Hazard statements
- H312 Harmful in contact with skin
- H332 Harmful if inhaled
- H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child
Precautionary statements
- P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
- P302 IF ON SKIN:
- P304 IF INHALED:
- P308 IF exposed or concerned:
- P313 Get medical advice/attention
- P341 If breathing is difficult
- P352 Wash with soap and water
