Growth rate of the bacterium Sphaerotilus natans in lead-containing medium and the effect of calcium ions.
Growth rate of bacteria Sphaerotilus natans in lead-containing medium (1 X 10(-4) M Pb2+) and bioaccumulation of lead in the bacterial cells were investigated together with the effect of calcium ions on these processes. A rapid increase in biomass was observed in the presence of calcium and lead whereas calcium alone had no visible effect on the bacterial growth. The increase in biomass in the presence of lead and calcium was accompanied by a pronounced drop in lead content in the bacterial cells. This suggests that calcium ions protect the bacterial cells against lead poisoning.
D002104:Cadmium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006088:Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D007854:Lead / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*
D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead