Antibiotic G418 is an aminoglycoside related to gentamicin and is toxic to bacteria, yeast, higher plants, mammalian cells, protozoans, and helminths. G418 binds to 80S ribosomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and inhibits protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. Resistance to the antibiotic is conferred by aminoglycoside-3-phosphotransferase. Vectors containing the G418 resistance gene (neo) are commonly used for transfecting eukaryotic cells, with selection of transfected cells achieved by culturing them in the presence of G418. Cells may exhibit variable resistance to the antibiotic and can take up to a week to die (adherent cells may be more sensitive).

The G418 antibiotic is suitable for use in cell culture for the selection and maintenance of G418-resistant clones when using ClonaCell™-TCS Medium (Catalog #03814), ClonaCell™-CHO CD Medium (Catalog #03815), ClonaCell™-CHO ACF Medium (Catalog #03816), ClonaCell™­CHO CD Liquid Medium (Catalog #03817), or other cell culture media.