A model for mercuric ion reduction in recombinant Escherichia coli

Plasmid-encoded mercuric reduction involves transfer of Hg(2+) across the cellular envelope and reduction to Hg(0) by the cytoplasmic mercuric reductase using NADPH. A mathematical model was developed for the binding and transfer of Hg(2+) by transport proteins and the subsequent reduction of Hg(2+). The values of the model parameters were determined using experimental data. The derived rate expressions were similar to the previously experimentally determined ones. The model predicted that a differential amplification of the transport protein relative to mercuric reductase expression levels may enhance the Hg(2+) reduction rate in whole cells.