<n0:ComplexDefinition xmlns:n0="http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/xml/owl/EVS/ComplexProperties.xsd#"><n0:def-definition>A basic glycopeptide antineoplastic antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces verticillus. Bleomycin antibiotics form complexes with iron that react with molecular oxygen to produce superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals, causing single- and double-stranded breaks in DNA. These reactive oxygen species also induce lipid peroxidation, carbohydrate oxidation, and alterations in prostaglandin synthesis and degradation.</n0:def-definition><n0:def-source>NCI</n0:def-source></n0:ComplexDefinition>