Abstract
We have isolated 25 new strains of streptomycetes from soil samples of a polluted site at the former uranium mine, Wismut, in eastern Thuringia, Germany. The strains grew on medium containing 1 mM NiCl2 and thus were resistant to the heavy metal ion. Seven of the strains were further characterized. All of these strains were resistant to heavy metals in various degrees with up to 10 mM resistance against NiCl2 supplied with the liquid minimal growth medium. The high level of resistance prompted us to look for high affinity nickel transporter genes thought to provide a means to eliminate the excess nickel ions form the cells. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers derived from sequences of P-type ATPase transporter genes of Gram negative bacteria identified a fragment which shows deduced amino acid sequence similarities to known high affinity nickel transporters. Investigation of two genes obtained from the isolates Streptomyces spec. E8 and F4 showed high sequence divergence. This was unexpected since a transmissible plasmid had been thought to convey heavy metal resistance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
