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Membrane modulation in a methylotrophic bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus (Texas) as a function of growth substrate

S L Hyder, A Meyers, M L Cayer

    Tissue & Cell
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Methylococcus capsulatus grown on methane shows membrane degeneration and inclusions. Transferring to methanol removes membranes, but they regenerate upon return to methane, indicating metabolic flexibility.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Cell Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Methylococcus capsulatus (Texas) exhibits distinct cellular changes when grown on different carbon sources.
    • Methane-grown cells show progressive internal membrane degeneration and inclusion body accumulation with age.
    • Methanol-grown cells lack internal membranes but accumulate inclusion droplets.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of methane versus methanol growth on Methylococcus capsulatus cellular structure.
    • To examine the reversibility of membrane changes upon nutrient source alteration.
    • To compare the oxidative capabilities of cells grown on methane and methanol.

    Main Methods:

    • Culturing Methylococcus capsulatus on methane and methanol.
    • Microscopic analysis of cellular morphology and internal structures.
    • Monitoring membrane regeneration upon transfer between growth media.
    • Assessing cellular oxidative ability.

    Main Results:

    • Methane-grown cells display age-dependent internal membrane degeneration and inclusion accumulation.
    • Methanol-grown cells lack internal membranes but contain droplet-like inclusions.
    • Transferring methanol-grown cells to methane induces significant membrane regeneration.
    • Oxidative abilities of methane- and methanol-grown cells were compared, with findings detailed in the full study.

    Conclusions:

    • Methylococcus capsulatus demonstrates remarkable metabolic plasticity in response to different carbon sources.
    • The observed membrane degeneration and regeneration are reversible processes.
    • Cellular structure is dynamically regulated by nutrient availability in this methanotrophic bacterium.

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