Iron as essential growth factor mycobacteria

This review article provides data concerning the characteristics of the structure of cell structures, physiology and iron metabolism of bacteria of the genus Micobacterium. Shows the main biochemical features of the structure of cell walls of mycobacteria and their relation with the possibility of transport of basic nutrients, including both macronutrients and micronutrients. Issue associated with the basic mechanisms of acquisition and transport of iron in the cytoplasm of bacteria, in particular of the described features of the chemical structure of the main siderophores mycobacteria - mycobactin, carboxymycobactin, exochelin. Described data on the processes of synthesis and regulation of the activities of siderophores in mycobacterial cells. At the same characterized mechanism of binding and transport of iron atom in the cytoplasm of mycobacteria and the methods assess the ability to synthesize siderophore in the laboratory.