Gene regulation of plasmid- and chromosome-determined inorganic ion transport in bacteria.

Abstract

Levinthal and Salvador E. Luria, his graduate school mentors, who recently died and whose scientific visions always sought big questions of broad biological relevance.

Inducible resistance to zinc ions in Bacillus subtilis 168

“…The reason why the inducible resistance to Zn 2÷ in Bacillus subtilis was unobserved till now may have been due to the supposition that Zn 2+ resistance is associated with Cd 2+ resistance, the latter ion being used as the inducing agent. In the present work it has been clearly demonstrated that resistance to Zn 2+ ions could be more specific than in the case of the cad or czc genes [6]. A comparable example of heavy metal ion resistance is the chromosomally determined cadmium resistance in some hospital isolates of Staphylococcus aureus [7].…”

Gel sequestration of heavy metals by Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from iron mat

“…However further studies are needed to con¢rm the mechanism of the various metal resistances in strain BAS-10. Studies are underway to demonstrate the existence of a Fe 2 /antiproton pump and other cation/antiproton pumps, as reported in Alcaligenes eutrophus [16,17].…”

Lead resistance and sensitivity in Staphylococcus aureus

“…Pb-based paints, burning of battery plates, glazes on dishware, Pb pipes containing water for longer periods, and Pb-supplemented gasoline have all been sources of Pb poisoning [3]. Continuing environmental pollution by heavy metals has favored the proliferation of microorganisms carrying metal resistance determinants [4]. Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive Pb-resistant (Pb') strains have been isolated , although a preponderance of the isolates was Gram-negative.…”