Synonyms: Demecolcine; N-Deacetyl-N-methylcolchicine
Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C21H25NO5
Formula Weight: 371.43
Linear Formula: C21H25NO5
MDL Number: MFCD00075459
Beilstein Registry Number: 2822892
UNSPSC Code: 12352207
RIDADR: NONH for all modes of transport
Application:
Colcemid inhibits the formation of mitotic spindles. It is used to increase the percentage of metaphase cells for chromosome analysis.
Biochem/physiol Actions:
Often in karyotyping and cell cycle research it is desirable to increase the yield of mitotic cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle. This can be achieved in a variety of ways with the most popular being the use of a cell cycle synchronizing agent such as demecolcine. Demecolcine will arrest cells in metaphase with no remarkable effect on the biochemical events in mitotic cells or in synchronized G1 and S phase cells. White blood cells are often treated with demecolcine to arrest cells in metaphase.
General description:
Colcemid is also known as demecolcine. Its generic name is N-methyl-N-deacetyl-colchicine. Colcemid depolymerizes microtubules and blocks mitosis at metaphase.
Other Notes:
For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Physical form:
Solution (10 μg/ml), filtered through 0.2 μm pore size membrane.