G418 (also known as Geneticin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic similar in structure to gentamicin B1. It is produced by Micromonospora rhodorangea. G418 blocks polypeptide synthesis by inhibiting the elongation step in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Resistance to G418 is conferred by the neo gene from Tn5 encoding an aminoglycoside 3‘-phosphotransferase, APH 3‘ II. G418 is commonly used in laboratory research to select genetically engineered cells.

• Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₄₀N₄O₁₀
• IUPAC Name: (2R,3S,4R,5R,6S)-5-amino-6-[(1R,2S,3S,4R,6S)-4,6-diamino-3-[(2R,3R,4R,5R)-3

,5-dihydroxy-5-methyl-4-methylaminooxan-2-yl]oxy-2-hydroxycyclohexyl]oxy-2- (1-hydroxyethyl)oxane-3,4-diol

Link to pubchem entry: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=123865