Growth in cadmium-containing medium induces resistance to heat in E. coli

We have shown that 10 microM Cd2+ in the growth medium can induce resistance to subsequent heat treatment in E. coli B/r. Resistance was shown by cells during an extended lag phase and, especially, during log phase. The results contrast with the effect of Cd2+ exposure on radiation lethality, for which sensitization was previously reported in cells from lag and stationary phase cultures.