Methanotrophs are bacteria that live on methane as their only source of carbon.1 The first step in their utilization of this simplest of all hydrocarbons is its selective conversion to methanol. Subsequent biochemical pathways transform methanol to formaldehyde, which in turn is processed into biomass. Further oxidation of formaldehyde to carbon dioxide provides energy that is stored for later use as NADH.2 The conversion of methane to methanol is catalyzed
at the active site of a metalloenzyme known as methane monooxygenase, or MMO.3-9
Revised: May 11, 2005 |
Published: May 17, 2003
Citation
Baik M., M. Newcomb, R.A. Friesner, and S.J. Lippard. 2003.Mechanistic Studies on the Hydroxylation of Methane by Methane Monooxygenase.Chemical Reviews 103, no. 6:2385-2419.