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Related Concept Videos

Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium01:25

Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella, which use...
Prokaryotic Cells01:51

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains—Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common organisms, such as Salmonella and E. coli, while the Archaea include extremophiles that live in harsh environments, such as volcanic springs.
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
Prokaryotic Cells01:28

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains — Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common microorganisms, such as Salmonella and E. coli, while the Archaea include extremophiles that live in harsh environments, such as volcanic springs.
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
Diversity of Archaea IV01:29

Diversity of Archaea IV

Hyperthermophilic archaea are a group of extremophiles thriving at temperatures above 80°C, often in hydrothermal vents and volcanic soils where conditions surpass the boiling point of water. At such temperatures, proteins, membranes, and DNA in most organisms degrade, but hyperthermophiles have evolved remarkable adaptations to maintain stability and function.Unique Cellular FeaturesHyperthermophilic membranes are composed of a monolayer of biphytanyl tetraether lipids, which resist thermal...
Sulfur Assimilation01:20

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
Overview of Archaea01:29

Overview of Archaea

Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...

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Updated: May 10, 2026

Removal of Arsenic Using a Cationic Polymer Gel Impregnated with Iron Hydroxide
08:01

Removal of Arsenic Using a Cationic Polymer Gel Impregnated with Iron Hydroxide

Published on: June 28, 2019

How prokaryotes deal with arsenic(†).

Djamila Slyemi1, Violaine Bonnefoy

  • 1Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UPR-CNRS 9043, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402, Marseille, Cedex 20, France. Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.

Environmental Microbiology Reports
|June 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Microorganisms have evolved diverse arsenic resistance mechanisms, including efflux systems and metabolic utilization of arsenic for energy. These microbial adaptations are crucial for understanding arsenic

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Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
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Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution

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Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
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Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Published on: December 19, 2017

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Removal of Arsenic Using a Cationic Polymer Gel Impregnated with Iron Hydroxide
08:01

Removal of Arsenic Using a Cationic Polymer Gel Impregnated with Iron Hydroxide

Published on: June 28, 2019

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
07:20

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution

Published on: December 30, 2021

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
06:52

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Published on: December 19, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Arsenic is a toxic metalloid and a priority drinking water contaminant, posing significant public health risks globally.
  • Microorganisms have co-existed with arsenic since life's origin, developing sophisticated resistance and metabolic strategies.
  • The mobilization of arsenic through natural and anthropogenic processes highlights its environmental and health significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse mechanisms prokaryotes use to cope with arsenic toxicity.
  • To explore how microbial arsenic transformations influence its biogeochemical cycle.
  • To highlight the evolutionary significance of arsenic metabolism in early life.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of microbial arsenic resistance and metabolism.
  • Analysis of arsenic efflux systems and biochemical transformation pathways.
  • Examination of the role of microorganisms in the environmental fate of arsenic.

Main Results:

  • Prokaryotes exhibit a wide array of arsenic resistance strategies, including extrusion, sequestration, and detoxification.
  • Microbial arsenic redox and methylation reactions are key processes in its biogeochemical cycling.
  • Arsenic-based energy metabolism in microorganisms may represent an ancient form of life's energy acquisition.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial systems are central to managing arsenic toxicity and its environmental cycling.
  • Understanding these microbial adaptations provides insights into arsenic's biogeochemistry and early life evolution.
  • Prokaryotic arsenic metabolism plays a critical role in mitigating arsenic's hazardous impact on public health.