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[Isotopic effect in enzymatic oxidation of methane]
Biokhimiia (Moscow, Russia)
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Methylomonas rubrum cells oxidize methane 12.5 times faster than deuteromethane. This suggests breaking the carbon-hydrogen bond is the key step in methane
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
Context:
- Investigates the enzymatic oxidation of methane by Methylomonas rubrum.
- Methane serves as the sole carbon source for the microorganisms.
- Examines the role of isotopic substitution in understanding methane metabolism.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the rate-limiting step in the enzymatic oxidation of methane.
- To determine the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) during methane oxidation.
- To assess the inhibitory potential of deuteromethane (CD4) on methane (CH4) oxidation.
Summary:
- Observed a significant isotopic effect in methane oxidation by Methylomonas rubrum cells.
- The rate of CH4 oxidation was found to be 12.5 times higher than that of CD4 oxidation.
- CD4 acts as a competitive inhibitor, indicating the C-H bond cleavage is rate-limiting.
Impact:
- Provides crucial insights into the mechanism of methane oxidation by microbial enzymes.
- Highlights the importance of the C-H bond's integrity in enzymatic catalysis.
- Informs future research on methane-utilizing microorganisms and biotechnological applications.