University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Biochemical and chemical studies of the components involved in the final step of methane formation in Methanobacterium

Olson, Karl Daniel

This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/22961

Description

Title
Biochemical and chemical studies of the components involved in the final step of methane formation in Methanobacterium
Author(s)
Olson, Karl Daniel
Issue Date
1991
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Wolfe, R.S.
Department of Study
Microbiology
Discipline
Microbiology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Biology, Microbiology
  • Chemistry, Biochemistry
Language
eng
Abstract
  • The final step of methane formation in Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum is a reductive demethylation of 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid (CH$\sb3$-S-CoM) with reducing equivalents from 7-(mercaptoheptanoyl)-L-threonine O$\sp3$-phosphate (HS-HTP). The enzyme that catalyzes this step is the CH$\sb3$-S-CoM reductase. Bound to the enzyme (non-covalently) is the prosthetic group, native coenzyme F430, a unique nickel-containing tetrapyrrole.
  • Coenzyme F430 and a structural analogue were purified to homogeneity and studied by several types of two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Modelling studies using 2D nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) data, and distance geometry (DG) and back-calculations were used to determine 3-D structural aspects of these molecules.
  • It was also found that inactive CH$\sb3$-S-CoM reductase can be partially activated in the presence of light. This is a major simplification of the terminal step. Interestingly, methanogens were found to be sensitive to visible light (in blue end of the spectrum).
  • Experiments were completed to determine the experimental mid-point potentials electrochemically. These experiments are described.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/22961
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1991 Olson, Karl Daniel

Owning Collections

Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
Dissertations and Theses - Microbiology