bacteriocins

Definition

Naturally occurring proteins produced by bacteria that act as antibiotics to kill or inhibit closely related strains of harmful bacteria.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau derived from 'bacterium' and the suffix '-cin', which is commonly used in biology to denote substances that kill bacteria, originating from the Greek 'kinein' meaning 'to move' or 'to cut'.

In the news

Researchers are using these protein antibiotics to target the bacteria that cause blackleg and soft rot in potato crops. They serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional, environmentally damaging control methods.

Researchers hail new approach to protecting potato crops from costly diseases

London Evening Standard

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