اکتوئین

Also known as (+)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid, L-ectoine

Ectoine (3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid) is a natural compound found in several species of bacteria. It is a compatible solute which serves as a protective substance by acting as an osmolyte and thus helps organisms survive extreme osmotic stress. Furthermore it was shown to protect DNA against ionizing and ultraviolet radiation serving as a radical scavenger. Ectoine is found in high concentrations in halophilic microorganisms and confers resistance towards salt and temperature stress. Ectoine was first identified in the microorganism Ectothiorhodospira halochloris, b