An Overview of Arsenic Metabolism and Toxicity.

It is likely that at least some of the toxic and carcinogenic effects associated with exposure to inorganic arsenic are, in fact, due to actions of its methylated metabolites. Here, we provide an overview of current models for the biological methylation of arsenicals. This information provides a context for understanding the chemical, biochemical, and genetic approaches to elucidation of the formation and function of metahylated arsenicals which are presented in the following manuscripts.