Chloramphenicol

Mode of Action

Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic agent that binds to the 50S ribosome and inhibits ribosomal peptide bond formation. It is sometimes uses as a way of "amplifying" plasmid production by shutting down protein synthesis in cultures, while allowing plasmid replication to continue.

Working Concentrations and Stock Solutions

High copy plasmids allow 35 μg/ml concentration. The stock solution is 35 mg/ml in ethanol, kept at -20C.

Plate Color Code

Green Stripe

Resistance Gene

The cat gene codes for an acetyltransferase which acetylates chloramphenicol, inactivating it. The gene is sometimes specifed as Cm^R or Cam^R.