Molybdenum Binding by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

The uptake of molybdenum by certain bacteria hinders its role as a trace metal in the micronutrients for plant growth. The binding of molybdenum by the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PAO1, has been investigated. A molybdenum complex of uronic acid, which forms in the extracellular polysaccharide layer (slime), was isolated and characterized by a variety of techniques. Comparisons with 'mimic' compounds of uronic acids suggest that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PAO1, produces a binuclear, di-oxo-bridged magnesium salt MgMo₂O₄(C₆H₈O₇)₂.5H₂O; this indicates the important role of uronic acids in metallic uptake by bacteria.