Intracellular minerals and metal deposits in prokaryotes

Geobiology. 2008 Jun;6(3):309-17. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-4669.2008.00156.x. Epub 2008 Apr 28.

Abstract

Thanks to the work of Terrance J. Beveridge and other pioneers in the field of metal-microbe interactions, prokaryotes are well known to sequester metals and other ions intracellularly in various forms. These forms range from poorly ordered deposits of metals to well-ordered mineral crystals. Studies on well-ordered crystalline structures have generally focused on intracellular organelles produced by magnetotactic bacteria that are ubiquitous in terrestrial and marine environments that precipitate Fe(3)O(4) or Fe(3)S(4), Fe-bearing minerals that have magnetic properties and are enclosed in intracellular membranes. In contrast, studies on less-well ordered minerals have focused on Fe-, As-, Mn-, Au-, Se- and Cd-precipitates that occur intracellularly. The biological and environmental function of these particles remains a matter of debate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Minerals / analysis*
  • Prokaryotic Cells / chemistry*
  • Prokaryotic Cells / ultrastructure
  • Soil Microbiology*

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Minerals