Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Solution-Processed, Surface-Engineered, Polycrystalline CdSe-SnSe Exhibiting Low Thermal Conductivity
Published on: May 17, 2024
Bio-reduction of selenite to elemental red selenium by Tetrathiobacter kashmirensis
William J Hunter1, Daniel K Manter
1USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8119, USA. william.hunter@ars.usda.gov
Abstract:
A bacterium that detoxifies selenite by reduction to insoluble elemental red selenium was isolated from soil. The strain showed an unusually high resistance to the toxic effects of selenite by growing in media containing 64 mM selenite. 16S rRNA gene sequence alignment identified the isolate as Tetrathiobacter kashmirensis. Fatty acid analysis and morphology confirmed the identification. The isolate reduced selenite to elemental selenium under aerobic conditions only. Native gel electrophoresis of cell-free extracts revealed a band, corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 120 kDa, that reduced selenite. In culture, the strain did not reduce selenate; however, a soluble and inducible enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 90 kDa that reduced both selenate and nitrate was present in cell-free extracts. This organism might be useful in bioreactors designed to remove selenite from contaminated water.
Related Concept Videos
Sulfur Assimilation
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Microbial Leaching
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

