Despite the success of sulfonamides, the real revolution in antibacterial therapy began with the discovery of Alexander Fleming in 1929, of the antibacterial properties of a Penicillium fungus. Isolation and purification of active compound to accumulate sufficient material for clinical trials took thirteen years. Antibiotics have either cidal (killing) effect or a static (inhibitory) effect on microbes. A few examples of the two types of antibiotics are as follows:

The range of bacteria or other microorganisms that are affected by a certain antibiotic is expressed as its spectrum of action. Antibiotics which kill or inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are said to be broad spectrum antibiotics. Those effective mainly against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria are narrow spectrum antibiotics.

Which antibiotic is toxic towards certain strains of cancer cells?

Dysidazirine

The correct answer is option 2. Dysidazirine.

The antibiotic that is toxic towards certain strains of cancer cells is: Dysidazirine.

Dysidazirine as an Anticancer Agent:

Dysidazirine is a natural product isolated from marine sponges, specifically from the genus Dysidea. It belongs to a class of compounds known as macrolide antibiotics. Dysidazirine has been investigated for its potential anticancer properties. Research studies have shown that dysidazirine exhibits cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments.  Dysidazirine exerts its anticancer activity by disrupting various cellular processes essential for cancer cell survival and proliferation. It can induce cell cycle arrest, trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death), and inhibit cell migration and invasion.  While dysidazirine has shown promising anticancer activity, its efficacy may vary depending on the type and characteristics of cancer cells. It may be more effective against certain strains or types of cancer cells compared to others. Dysidazirine is still in the preclinical stages of research for anticancer therapy. Further studies, including animal studies and clinical trials, are needed to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and potential for therapeutic use in humans.

Comparison with Other Antibiotics:

Streptomycin: Streptomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections, particularly tuberculosis. It is not typically used as an anticancer agent.

Vancomycin: Vancomycin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as MRSA. It is not known for its activity against cancer cells.

Ofloxacin: Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections. It is not used as an anticancer agent.

Dysidazirine, derived from marine sponges, has shown potential as an anticancer agent in laboratory studies. Its mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. While it is still in the early stages of research, dysidazirine represents a promising candidate for further investigation as a novel anticancer therapy.