Why is the drug actinomycin used only in research applications or in the treatment of cancer?

Sagot :

Actinomycin is used only in research applications or cancer treatment because it is active against both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

How does actinomycin work?

  • Actinomycin D inhibits RNA synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells thus blocking transcription.
  • Actinomycin was first isolated from Streptomyces antibioticus.
  • These bind to the DNA at the site of transcription initiation complex and prevent the activity of DNA dependent RNA polymerase.
  • By blocking the metabolic machinery of cells (RNA synthesis), actinomycin prevents the growth of cells. Therefore used in cancer treatment to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of cells.
  • As it can also act on eukaryotic cells so it is not used as an antimicrobial drug as it can harm the cells of our body.
  • However it can be used in research to prevent microbial growth in petri plates.

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