M. Pinkerton, L. Steinrauf
May 14, 1970
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Journal
Journal of molecular biology
Abstract
Abstract The molecular structure of the silver complex of monensin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces cinnamonensis , has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The structure is formed by the monensin wrapping around the silver ion, forming an over-all neutral complex, secured by two hydrogen bonds. The crystal form of the potassium complex is isomorphous with the silver, and the sodium complex, although not isomorphous, is very similar. The nature of the structure of the complex suggests that the biological effects of monensin may well be a consequence of the ability of the antibiotic to make sodium and potassium soluble in lipid portions of cellular structures.