Cupriavidus metallidurans

Cupriavidus metallidurans is a species of bacteria that is notable for its ability to resist and metabolize heavy metals. It was previously known under the names Ralstonia metallidurans and Alcaligenes eutrophus. This bacterium is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile organism that is found in various environments, particularly those contaminated with heavy metals. Cupriavidus metallidurans plays a significant role in bioremediation, the process of using microorganisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site.

Characteristics

Cupriavidus metallidurans exhibits several distinctive characteristics that enable it to survive in heavy metal-rich environments. It possesses a high level of resistance to metals such as copper, cadmium, lead, and zinc. The bacterium achieves this through various mechanisms, including efflux pumps that remove heavy metals from the cell, and the sequestration of metals in complexes that render them less toxic.

Genome

The genome of Cupriavidus metallidurans has been sequenced, revealing insights into its metal resistance mechanisms. The genome contains multiple genes responsible for heavy metal resistance, including those encoding for efflux pumps and metal-binding proteins. This genetic makeup enables the bacterium to adapt to and thrive in environments with high concentrations of heavy metals.

Ecological Role

Cupriavidus metallidurans plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, particularly in the biogeochemical cycling of heavy metals. By transforming heavy metals into less toxic forms, it contributes to the detoxification of polluted environments. This bacterium is also involved in the process of biomineralization, where it precipitates metals out of solution, thereby influencing the distribution and form of metals in the environment.

Bioremediation

Due to its remarkable metal resistance and transformation capabilities, Cupriavidus metallidurans is a valuable organism for bioremediation efforts. It can be used to clean up sites contaminated with heavy metals, reducing environmental pollution and mitigating the toxic effects of these metals on human health and ecosystems. Research is ongoing to enhance the bioremediation potential of Cupriavidus metallidurans through genetic engineering and optimization of its growth conditions.

Research and Applications

Beyond environmental cleanup, Cupriavidus metallidurans has potential applications in the field of biotechnology. For example, its ability to precipitate gold from solutions containing gold ions has sparked interest in its use for bio-mining and the recovery of precious metals from waste materials.

See Also

• Bioremediation
• Heavy metal (chemistry)
• Biogeochemical cycle
• Bio-mining

External Links

• NCBI Taxonomy Browser - Cupriavidus metallidurans

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  Coloured scanning electron image of bacterioform gold on a gold grain from the Hit or Miss Mine in northern Queensland