Bacteria live on arsenic--analysis of microbial arsenic metabolism－A review

Abstract:

Abstract: It was discovered that there are certain microorganisms that can use the extraordinary toxic metalloid arsenic (As) to gain energy for their growth, even use arsenic instead of phosphorus to grow. In this article, we reviewed recent advanced research achievements and summarized these microbial arsenic metabolisms in the following 6 aspects: 1. Gaining energy by chemolithoautotrophic As(Ⅲ) oxidation; 2. Gaining energy by chemoorganoheterotrophic As(Ⅲ) oxidation; 3. Gaining energy by respiratory As(Ⅴ) reduction; 4. As(Ⅲ) oxidation coupling with photosynthesis; 5. The interactions among As(Ⅲ) oxidation, As(Ⅴ) reduction and As(Ⅲ) oxidation coupling with photosynthesis; 6. Growth using As(Ⅴ) instead of phosphorus. Gaining information of microbial arsenic metabolisms is fundamental important for better understanding of live creation, biodiversity, evaluation, biogeochemical cycle and bioremediation.