Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
06:37
Staphylococcus aureus Growth using Human Hemoglobin as an Iron Source
Published on: February 7, 2013
[Animal body iron sources utilized in vitro by enterococci].
M Sobiś-Glinkowska1, J Mikucki, P Lisiecki
1Zakład Mikrobiologii Farmaceutycznej AM w łodzi.
Medycyna Doswiadczalna I Mikrobiologia
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Enterococcal strains can use various animal iron sources, including hemoglobin and ferritin, when iron is scarce. This ability is independent of the enterococcal strain's species or origin.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Context:
- Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens requiring iron for growth.
- Understanding iron acquisition is crucial for studying enterococcal pathogenesis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the in vitro utilization of diverse animal-derived iron sources by enterococcal strains under iron-restricted conditions.
Summary:
- Enterococcal strains demonstrated the ability to utilize various animal iron sources in vitro, including bovine hemoglobin, hemin, lactoferrin, transferrin, ovotransferrin, horse myoglobin, ferritin, and cytochrome C.
- The spectrum of utilized iron sources was consistent across different enterococcal species and origins, indicating a conserved metabolic capability.
Impact:
- This research provides insights into the metabolic flexibility of enterococci in acquiring essential nutrients.
- Findings could inform strategies for controlling enterococcal infections by targeting iron acquisition pathways.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Microbial Nutrition
Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
01:24Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Microbial activity plays a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese, especially at the redox gradients characteristic of stratified aquatic environments. These cycles are driven by microbial transformations between oxidized and reduced forms of the metals, allowing organisms to exploit them for metabolic energy and structural purposes.Iron Cycling Across Redox GradientsIn neutral, oxygen-rich surface waters, iron is predominantly found in its oxidized, insoluble ferric...