Heavy metals

Definition

Heavy metals are dense elements that can be toxic to microorganisms at low concentrations. These metals are often used in antimicrobial treatments due to their ability to disrupt cellular functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Heavy metals like mercury, silver, and copper are commonly used as antimicrobial agents.
2. They work by binding to proteins and enzymes in microbial cells, disrupting their function and leading to cell death.
3. Silver is frequently used in medical devices and wound dressings for its antimicrobial properties.
4. Copper surfaces have been shown to reduce microbial contamination in healthcare settings.
5. Heavy metal resistance can develop in bacteria through various mechanisms such as efflux pumps and sequestration.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mechanism by which heavy metals exert their antimicrobial effects?
• Name three heavy metals commonly used as antimicrobial agents.
• How do bacteria develop resistance to heavy metals?

Related terms

Antimicrobial Agents: Substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Efflux Pumps: Protein structures that bacteria use to expel toxic substances, including heavy metals, out of their cells.

Sequestration: The process by which organisms isolate or bind harmful substances like heavy metals to prevent them from causing damage.