Tetracycline
is a common antibiotic.
Tetracycline is a broad spectrum
polyketide antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces genus of Actinobacteria.
Tetracycline was discovered and
patented by Lloyd H. Conover in 1955.
This substance was originally obtained
from streptomyces viridifaciens cultures, but is now usually produced
synthetically.
Tetracycline is most commonly used as an antibiotic, but is also
used for many other medical purposes such as acne prevention.
This antibiotic
works by inhibiting aminoacyl-tRNA binding during the synthesis of proteins.
Tetracycline should not be used by children under nine or by women in the last
half of a pregnancy as it is a teratogen and can cause reproductive problems.
It can also cause photosensitivity in some people.
