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An axenic culture of a cyanobacterium in the spent medium produced hexane-extracta- ble compound(s) that antagonized growth of several Gram+ve and –ve bacteria, including a few potential pathogens. Phylogenetic investigations classified the strain to be Anabaena fertilissima strain CCC597. Using Escherichia coli MTCC443 as a test organism, we have shown that ROS (O 2; H 2O 2) production and outer and inner membrane (OM: IM) permeabilization were induced upon such treatments. Consequently, leakage of proteins and cytosolic acidification processes were initi- ated. Suppression of cytoplasmic membrane-bound respiratory O 2consumption was most likely the physiological aberration that killed the bacteria. Several antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dis- mutase, catalase, and peroxidases showed concomitant increase in the enzymatic activities and band intensities in the corresponding substrate gels. Notwithstanding, the counteraction mechanism(s) was not preventive, and sufficient oxidative radicals still generated to manifest lipid peroxidation. Chemical analysis of the hexane-extract of A. fertilissima culture filtrates revealed presence of a number of long chain unsaturated fatty acids, including cis-13,16-docosadienoic acid, with proven antibacterial properties.