Heavy Metal-Microbe Interactions

Heavy Metal-Microbe Interactions and Microbial Response... 

Mn2+ active transport system in Staphylococcus aureus. These metal-microbe interactions result in decrease microbial growth, abnormal morphological changes, and inhibition of biochemical processes in individual (Akmal et al. 2005a,b). The toxic effects of metals can be seen on a community level as well. In response to metal toxicity, overall community numbers and diversity decrease. Soil is a living system where all biochemical activities proceed through enzymatic processes. Heavy metals have also adverse effects on enzyme activities (Fig. 1). 

Gadd, G. M., and White, C. (1989). Heavy metal and radionuclide accumulation and toxicity in fungi and yeasts. In Metal-Microbe Interactions, ed. Poole, R. K., and Gadd, G. M., IRL Press, Oxford, 19-38. 

Microbes that lack a specific active transport system for removing toxic metals may be able to sequester heavy metals either inside or outside of the cell. Intracellular sequestration occurs when cytoplasmic metal-binding molecules are produced in response to metal stress, preventing the metals from interacting with vital cell structures. The two most common molecules used for intracellular... 

Baldrian, P. (2003). Interactions of heavy metals with white-rot fungi. Enzyme Microb. Technol. 32,78-91. 

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