ethidium, n. Biochem.
(ɛˈθɪdɪəm)
[f. ethyl n. + -ide + -ium.]
A derivative of phenanthridine, C21H20BrN3 (more fully ethidium bromide), used as a trypanocide, as a purple stain for DNA, and to destroy the superhelical structure of DNA; also occas., the cation of this compound.
| 1959 Brit. Vet. Codex Suppl. 119 Ethidium Bromide, homidium bromide. 1967 New Scientist 11 May 352/2 Drs Crawford and Waring exposed DNA from the polyoma virus to limiting concentrations of ethidium bromide, a drug which is able to insert itself between adjacent bases in DNA. 1974 Ciba Symposium XX. 292 Ethidium may also interact with lysosome membranes and prevent the reorganization of these structures which is associated with normal cell division. 1983 J. R. S. Fincham Genetics x. 251 A molecule with intercalated ethidium has its base-pairs forced apart. 1991 Lancet 5 Jan. 6/2 In all PCR-positive cases, a 240 bp amplification product was seen on ethidium bromide stained agarose gels. |