Many bacteria facilitate the uptake of iron by secreting low molecular weight molecules, called siderophores, to form complexes with the iron that can then be readily transported into the cell.
What are siderophores?
- Siderophores are natural or synthetic, low molecular weight molecules which have a high binding affinity to iron.
- Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi secrete these molecules to enhance iron uptake through the cell.
- Iron is abundant in the earth’s crust but it is not readily available in soluble form.
- Siderophores can chelate iron (form water soluble complexes). This complex is then taken up by the cell through membrane receptors.
- These are the strongest and largest class of iron chelators known thus providing the much needed iron to the microorganisms.
- Siderophores can also form complexes with aluminium, copper, zinc, manganese, cadmium, lead, etc.
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