Bacteria Built with Arsenic (IMAGE)

DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Bacteria Built with Arsenic

Caption

Scientists have found the first known living organism that incorporates arsenic into the working parts of its cells. What's more, the arsenic replaces phosphorus, an element long thought essential for life. Staff scientist Sam Webb led the research undertaken at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource located at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The results were published online today in Science Express.

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Brad Plummer/SLAC

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