The impact of TeO32− on cellular proteins generally, as expected, resulted in decrease. However, there were also some unexpected turns. Strains E5 and KR99 surprisingly produced more protein in the presence of tellurite. The reason for this increase is unclear, however, there is precedent, as the bacterium strain EG13 also has increased biomass production (4.5 fold) in the presence of other metalloid oxyanions (NaVO3) compared to metal free medium . It has been suggested that reduction of metal(loid) oxyanions can help dispose of excess electrons through the reoxidation of NADH, FADH2, or quinones, therefore retaining optimal redox poise in vivo . This may result in optimal conditions for growth being maintained longer than in the absence of the oxyanion. Possibly, something similar is happening in KR99 and E5. An increase/decrease in biomass resulted in corresponding increased/decreased ATP, as one would expect.