Chromomycin A3

Fluorescence properties

Uses

• in-vitro membrane-impermeant G/C-specific fluorescent DNA-binding dye.
• in-vitro antibiotic of gram-positive bacteria, through inhibition of the incorporation of P_i in the RNA.
• in-vitro anticancer drug that inhibits RNA synthesis.
• Evaluation of male fertility: Chromomycin A₃ and protamines compete for the same binding sites in the DNA, so CMA₃ positivity in spermatozoa reflects protamine deficiency.