Merck, G4918-5G, Gentamicin sulfate

General description
Chemical structure: aminoglycoside
Application
Gentamicin sulfate, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, used as a selection agent (gentamicin-resistance gene) in cell culture and molecular biology applications. This product is recommended for use at 50 mg/L.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Mode of action: Gentamicin causes codon misreading by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking the translocation of peptidyl-tRNA from the acceptor site to the donor site. The bactericidal effect of gentamicin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa is exerted by the binding of gentamicin to the outer membrane, where it displaces natural cations, destabilizes the membrane, and forms holes in the cell surface.

Antimicrobial spectrum: Includes Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including strains resistant to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, kanamycin and colistin, particularly strains of Pseudomonas, Proteus, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
Other Notes
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside complex produced by fermentation of Micromonospora purpurea or M. echinospora. It is used as the sulfate salt. There are three components, each consisting of five basic nitrogens and requiresing five equivalents of sulfuric acid per mole of gentamicin base.
Disclaimer
Sterile solutions should be stored at 2-8°C. Solutions have also been shown to be stable at room temperature and in boiling aqueous buffers of pH 2-14².