noun
- proteins produced by bacteria that kill or inhibit the growth of closely related bacterial strains
Usage: microbiology; plural form
Examples
- Scientists are studying bacteriocins as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics.
- Some lactic acid bacteria produce bacteriocins that help preserve food naturally.
- The research team isolated several bacteriocins from soil samples.
- Bacteriocins differ from antibiotics in their narrow spectrum of activity.
- Food manufacturers use bacteriocins to extend shelf life and improve safety.
- The bacteriocins showed strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic strains.