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Study on how bacteria obtain essential nutrients in soil, during infection

October 19, 2020

Much like humans eat food in order to obtain essential nutrients, bacteria acquire nutrients by importing them. An essential nutrient for life is zinc, which cannot be manufactured, and therefore must be obtained from the environment. However, the availability of zinc is frequently limited. This is exemplified by a defense mechanism, nutritional immunity, used by the immune system to prevent infections in which the body withholds metals, such as zinc, to combat invading bacteria.


October 19, 2020


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