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Genes and Biochemical Pathways Involved in Microbial Transformation of Arsenic

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Arsenic Toxicity: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

Arsenic exists as a ubiquitous toxic metalloid in both organic and inorganic forms. Most predominant forms are arsenate [As(V)] and arsenite [As(III)]. Both natural processes and anthropogenic activities play part in arsenic entry in the environment and the water bodies. Environmental arsenic is biologically cycled by many microbial species. These microbial species possess certain genes and corresponding proteins to ensure survival in metal contaminated sites. Microbial resistance to arsenic can accompany with oxidation, reduction, or methylation of arsenic. The relevant genes are often plasmid borne but can also be found in the chromosome of the bacteria. Various operons, gene products, and biochemical pathways are involved in biotransformation of arsenic. Arsenic also serves as electron acceptor for many bacterial species under anaerobic conditions. All these processes take place in coordination within a bacterial cell depending upon the valence state of arsenic and types of genes and proteins present in the bacteria. The current chapter highlights the microbial genes, proteins, and the biochemical pathways involved in microbial transformation of arsenic. These processes not only play important roles in maintaining the environment, but also have the potential for biotechnological interventions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Allied health Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan

    Hareem Mohsin

  2. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Maria Shafique

  3. Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

    Yasir Rehman

Authors
  1. Hareem Mohsin
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  2. Maria Shafique
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  3. Yasir Rehman
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Correspondence to Yasir Rehman .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India

    Nitish Kumar

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Mohsin, H., Shafique, M., Rehman, Y. (2021). Genes and Biochemical Pathways Involved in Microbial Transformation of Arsenic. In: Kumar, N. (eds) Arsenic Toxicity: Challenges and Solutions. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6068-6_15

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