Kanamycin A is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from Streptomyces kanamyceticus. It is widely used in microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering as a selective agent. Commonly added to culture media, Kanamycin A inhibits the growth of non-resistant bacteria, allowing selection of cells carrying a kanamycin resistance gene. It is frequently used in recombinant DNA experiments and as a selectable marker in plasmids and other vectors. Researchers also use it to study bacterial resistance and antimicrobial efficacy. Its potency and low toxicity make it valuable in protein expression and genetic studies.
