How Do Efflux Pumps Affect Environmental Toxicology?
Efflux pumps are also significant in environmental toxicology. Many organisms, including microbes and plants, use efflux pumps to detoxify and survive in contaminated environments. This can impact the breakdown and persistence of pollutants in ecosystems. For example, efflux pumps in soil bacteria can reduce the efficacy of bioremediation efforts by expelling toxic pollutants, making them less susceptible to degradation.
