The present invention relates to novel Pcr family genes that confer tolerance to heavy metals to plants and microorganisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel Pcr family genes that confer tolerance to cadmium. The invention also relates to plant and microorganisms transformed with any of the Pcr genes thereby having improved resistance to and increased level of toxic materials, and methods of removing heavy metals from contaminated soil and water contaminated by growing the Pcr-transformed plants on the contaminated soils and water.