Definition

A type of antibiotic made by a specific bacterium that stops the growth of bacteria and cancer cells by interfering with DNA production.

Example

Mitomycin is often used in cancer treatment to help stop the growth of tumors.

Conversation

Have you heard about mitomycin?

Yeah, it's an antibiotic used in cancer treatment, right?

Exactly! It actually works by inhibiting DNA synthesis.

That's really interesting; I didn't know it had that effect!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mitomycin is derived from the prefix "mito-" (from Greek "mitos", meaning thread, referring to the thread-like structure of DNA) and the suffix "-mycin" (from the Greek "mykes", meaning fungus, often used in the names of antibiotics derived from fungi). The word "mitomycin" refers to an antibiotic derived from a fungus that affects cellular processes, particularly in relation to DNA.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mito-' as relating to the thread-like structure of DNA, and '-mycin' as indicating a substance derived from fungus. This helps you remember that mitomycin is an antibiotic that interacts with DNA.

Visually Confused Words