Bacterial tellurite resistance

Abstract

Tellurium compounds are used in several industrial processes, although they are relatively rare in the environment. Genes associated with tellurite resistance (Te^R) are found in many pathogenic bacteria. Tellurite can be detoxified through interactions with cellular thiols, such as glutathione, or a methyltransferase-catalyzed reaction, although neither process appears involved in plasmid-mediated Te^R.