Final answer:
Sequestration/chelation binds metal ions, which are crucial for bacterial growth, and is used in chelation therapies to treat heavy metal poisoning. This process can both decrease microbial growth and disrupt normal ion concentrations in the body, causing severe side effects if not used properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of sequestration or chelation primarily involves the binding of metal ions, which can be significant in certain medical treatments and also in dealing with issues such as heavy metal pollution. In the context of chelation therapy, this process can decrease the availability of metal ions by forming stable complexes known as chelates. This directly affects the microbial growth by depriving microbes of the essential metals they require for growth, as iron is crucial for bacterial proliferation. Ligands such as BAL and enterobactin, and drugs like dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), can act as chelators by donating donor atoms to bind with metals, thus removing them from the biological system or environment.
Ligands in chelation therapies can also disrupt normal ion concentrations in the body, which can lead to serious side effects. Moreover, in some instances, these therapies may be incorrectly suggested for ailments not related to heavy metal toxicity, potentially causing a disruption in biologically important metals like calcium and magnesium. Therefore, while chelation can be useful in certain medical conditions, it is important to be cautious with its application.