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Science 8 March 1985:
Vol. 227. no. 4691, pp. 1167 - 1173
DOI: 10.1126/science.3919443
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Articles

Science, Vol 227, Issue 4691, 1167-1173
Copyright © 1985 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Single-carbon chemistry of acetogenic and methanogenic bacteria

JG Zeikus, R Kerby, and JA Krzycki

Methanogenic and acetogenic bacteria metabolize carbon monoxide, methanol, formate, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases and, in the case of certain methanogens, acetate, by single-carbon (C1) biochemical mechanisms. Many of these reactions occur while the C1 compounds are linked to pteridine derivatives and tetrapyrrole coenzymes, including corrinoids, which are used to generate, reduce, or carbonylate methyl groups. Several metalloenzymes, including a nickel-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, are used in both catabolic and anabolic oxidoreductase reactions. We propose biochemical models for coupling carbon and electron flow to energy conservation during growth on C1 compounds based on the carbon flow pathways inherent to acetogenic and methanogenic metabolism. Biological catalysts are therefore available which are comparable to those currently in use in the Monsanto process. The potentials and limitations of developing biotechnology based on these organisms or their enzymes and coenzymes are discussed.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans sp. nov., a carbon monoxide-oxidizing actinomycete, and an emended description of the genus Pseudonocardia.
S. W. Park, S. T. Park, J. E. Lee, and Y. M. Kim (2008)
Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 58, 2475-2478
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
An unconventional pathway for reduction of CO2 to methane in CO-grown Methanosarcina acetivorans revealed by proteomics.
D. J. Lessner, L. Li, Q. Li, T. Rejtar, V. P. Andreev, M. Reichlen, K. Hill, J. J. Moran, B. L. Karger, and J. G. Ferry (2006)
PNAS 103, 17921-17926
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


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