What Genomic Features of Exiguobacteria Contribute to the Potential for Heavy Metal Resistance and Absorption?
Henry Xie
Department of Biology
Faculty Supervisor: José R. de la Torre
In this study, we are investigating if Exiguobacteria contain certain genomic sequences for genes that provide metal transporters and heavy metal resistance mechanisms. By using BLAST and KEGG, it can help me identify pathways and compare genes of other Exiguobacteria strains that contain the same functions for heavy metal absorption and resistance. By using KEGG to identify specific pathways within the bacteria, we can see that they contain a two component system that allows it to sense environmental stress such as heavy metals which can lead to triggering expression of resistance genes. Our results indicated that there is a glutathione metabolism that works with the two component system to provide defense against heavy metals. This is important as it can provide a lot of plants natural protection against heavy metals and in turn the plants are helping by detoxifying the metals from the soil.