pMMO Biochemistry
Methane metabolism is the primary source of carbon and energy for methanotrophs. All of these organisms contain MMO, either soluble, particulate, or both, in order to take in methane and convert it to methanol. This is just the first step in the major metabolic pathways in these organisms. Below is an image of methane metabolism which shows that the starting point for all of the metabolic pathways is methane. This diagram also shows the products and their fates.
There are two known types of methanotrophs. The types are split by how the formaldehyde is used in metabolism. Once the methane is converted to methanol, it is converted into formaldehyde by methanol dehydrogenase. Type I methanotrophs use formaldehyde via the ribulose monophosphate pathway. Type II utilize formaldehyde in the serine pathway.
There are two known types of methanotrophs. The types are split by how the formaldehyde is used in metabolism. Once the methane is converted to methanol, it is converted into formaldehyde by methanol dehydrogenase. Type I methanotrophs use formaldehyde via the ribulose monophosphate pathway. Type II utilize formaldehyde in the serine pathway.
Methane Metabolism Pathway
Image obtained from http://www.genome.jp/kegg-bin/show_pathway?map00680
Citations
Lieberman, R.L., Rosenzweig, A.C., Crit. Rev. Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2004) 39, 147-164
Balasobramanian, R., Rosenzweig, A.C., Acc. Chem. Res. (2007) 40, 573-580
Balasobramanian, R., Rosenzweig, A.C., Acc. Chem. Res. (2007) 40, 573-580
