Definition

A type of protein made by certain bacteria that can kill other similar bacteria.

Example

Researchers are studying colicins to develop new antibiotics.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of colicin?

Yeah, I read that it's produced by E. coli to fight off other bacteria.

That's pretty interesting! I didn't know bacteria could be so competitive.

I know, right? Nature is full of surprises!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colicin is derived from "coli" (from Latin "Escherichia coli", a bacterium) and the suffix "-cin" (indicating a substance). The term refers to a substance produced by E. coli that can kill other bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'coli' as relating to the E. coli bacterium, and '-cin' as a substance, which helps you remember that colicin is a substance produced by E. coli that can kill other bacteria.

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