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A hydrogen-evolving enzyme is present in Frankia sp. R43
Anasuya Mohapatra1, Melakeselam Leul, Ulrika Mattsson
1Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|July 15, 2004
Summary
Frankia sp. R43, a nitrogen-fixing actinomycete, possesses a hydrogen-evolving hydrogenase enzyme. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes like Frankia play crucial roles in ecosystems.
- Hydrogenases are enzymes involved in hydrogen metabolism, with potential biotechnological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and nature of hydrogen-evolving enzymes in Frankia sp. R43 and Frankia sp. KB5.
- To characterize the hydrogenase activity and identify related proteins in these Frankia strains.
Main Methods:
- Assaying hydrogen evolution using methyl viologen as an electron donor under anaerobic conditions.
- Performing immunological studies using antisera against Ralstonia eutropha HoxF and HoxH proteins.
- Utilizing immunogold labeling to localize enzyme activity within Frankia cells.
Main Results:
- Frankia sp. R43 evolved hydrogen, while Frankia sp. KB5 did not.
- Immunological analysis detected an antigen in Frankia sp. R43 recognized by anti-HoxF antiserum.
- Immunogold labeling identified HoxH-like antigens in both hyphae and vesicles of Frankia sp. R43.
Conclusions:
- Frankia sp. R43 possesses a functional hydrogen-evolving hydrogenase.
- The identified hydrogenase in Frankia sp. R43 is distinct from that in Frankia sp. KB5.
- The enzyme is localized in both hyphal and vesicular structures of Frankia sp. R43.