[Mechanisms of bacteria resistance to heavy metals]

Abstract

Bacteria have adapted to the presence of heavy metal ions in their habitats. There are five main mechanisms of heavy metal resistance in bacteria extracellular barrier, active transport of metal ions (efflux), extracellular sequestration, intracellular sequestration, reduction of metal ions. Genetic determinants of heavy metal resistance can be localized both on bacterial chromosomes and on extrachromosomal genetic elements. Horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in the spread of heavy metal resistance in nature. Interactions between bacteria and heavy metal ions are of great interest both as a fundamental process and potential bioremedial technology.