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Dissimilation of the C2 sulfonates
Alasdair M Cook1, Karin Denger
1Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany. Alasdair.Cook@uni-konstanz.de
Archives of Microbiology
|December 10, 2002
Summary
Bacteria can break down organosulfonates, using enzymes to remove the carbon part. A key enzyme, acetyltransferase, converts sulfoacetaldehyde to acetyl phosphate, vital for bacterial metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Organosulfonates are environmentally prevalent and chemically stable.
- Microorganisms have evolved pathways to metabolize organosulfonates, with a focus on bacterial systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review bacterial catabolism of the carbon moiety in C2-sulfonates.
- To elucidate the fate of the sulfonate group during this process.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature and sequencing data.
- Identification and characterization of key enzymes and metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Five of six examined C2-sulfonates are catabolized by bacteria.
- Two desulfonation mechanisms identified: monooxygenation and sulfoacetaldehyde conversion.
- A widespread thiamin-diphosphate-dependent acetyltransferase desulfonates sulfoacetaldehyde to acetyl phosphate.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial metabolism of organosulfonates involves diverse desulfonation strategies.
- Acetyl phosphate is a significant intermediate in bacterial metabolism.
- Further research may reveal additional desulfonation pathways, such as sulfoacetate hydrolysis.