NCIt definition : The sulfate salt of tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from the bacterium
Streptomyces tenebrarius with bactericidal activity. Following active transport into
the cell, tobramycin binds irreversibly to a specific aminoglycoside receptor on the
bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and fixes the 30 S-50 S ribosomal complex at the start
codon (AUG), interfering with the initiation of protein synthesis. In addition, this
agent induces misreading of the mRNA template, which results in 1) detachment of the
ribosomal complex and inhibition of protein elongation or 2) incorporation of the
incorrect amino acids into the growing polypeptide chain and the production of abnormal
or nonfunctional proteins. Altogether, cell permeability is altered and cell death
ensues.;