Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 30S ribosomal subunit. It is used to treat selected bacterial infections.

Bacterial ribosome: The molecular complex that translates messenger RNA into proteins in bacteria. Tetracycline binds its small subunit to disrupt translation.
Chlamydia infection: An infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, commonly affecting the genital tract. Tetracyclines are used against chlamydial infections, though doxycycline is commonly preferred.
Antibiotic: A substance that kills bacteria or inhibits their growth. Tetracycline is one member of this broad group of medicines.
Doxycycline: A long-acting tetracycline-class antibiotic with broad activity against bacteria. It often replaces tetracycline because it is absorbed more reliably and requires less frequent dosing.
30S ribosomal subunit: The smaller bacterial ribosome subunit that decodes messenger RNA during protein synthesis. Tetracycline binds reversibly to this subunit and blocks aminoacyl-tRNA entry.
Rickettsiosis: An infectious disease caused by bacteria in the family Rickettsiaceae. Tetracyclines are standard treatment for many rickettsial diseases.
Polyketide: A natural product assembled from repeated units derived from simple carboxylic acids. Tetracycline’s four-ring scaffold is produced through polyketide biosynthesis.
Minocycline: A long-acting tetracycline-class antibiotic used for selected bacterial infections and acne. It is a related drug with different pharmacokinetics and adverse-effect patterns.
Protein synthesis inhibitor: A substance that prevents cells from making proteins by interfering with translation. Tetracycline belongs to this broad class of antimicrobial agents.
Acne vulgaris: A chronic inflammatory skin condition involving hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Oral tetracyclines can reduce acne-associated inflammation and bacterial growth.

Linked from 14 pages