Bleomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic prodcued by Streptomyces
verticillus. Bleomycin is thought to complex with iron (ii)
and/or iron (III) to induce the formation of reactive oxygen
species, which causes DNA cleavage and inhibit DNA synthesis. Due
to its toxicity, the compound is not used in medical treatment as
an antibiotic. However, it is used in the clinical treatment of
cancerous tumours.
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