Abstract
THIAMINE is recognized as a growth factor for many micro-organisms. Some micro-organisms require the presence of the whole thiamine molecule whereas others are able to synthesize either the pyrimidine or thiazole moieties. In some instances, cells are unable to use either component, but if supplied with the two fragments can combine the two into the complete molecule. Pyrithiamine (1-[(4-amino-2-methyl)-5-pyrimidylmethyl]-2-methyl-3 (α-hydroxyethyl) pyridinium bromide) is a thiamine analogue in which a pyridine ring replaces the thiazole moiety. This analogue has an anti-thiamine effect in some micro-organisms, and in others it can replace thiamine by acting as a source of the pyrimidine ring1,2.
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WRIGHT, D. Replacement of Thiamine as a Growth Factor for Mycobacterium butyricum . Nature 183, 262–263 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/183262b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/183262b0
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