Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:27
Functional Complementation Analysis (FCA): A Laboratory Exercise Designed and Implemented to Supplement the Teaching of Biochemical Pathways
Published on: June 24, 2016
Archaeal type III RuBisCOs function in a pathway for AMP metabolism
Takaaki Sato1, Haruyuki Atomi, Tadayuki Imanaka
1Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 17, 2007
Summary
Archaea
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Type III ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) in archaea has a distinct function.
- Classical RuBisCOs are involved in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Type III RuBisCO in Thermococcus kodakaraensis.
- To elucidate the metabolic pathway involving Type III RuBisCO in archaea.
Main Methods:
- Gene annotation and functional characterization.
- Enzyme activity assays.
- Metabolic pathway analysis.
Main Results:
- Type III RuBisCO participates in adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) metabolism.
- Genes deoA and e2b2 encode AMP phosphorylase and ribose-1,5-bisphosphate isomerase, respectively.
- These enzymes generate ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate from AMP, supplying the Type III RuBisCO substrate.
Conclusions:
- Archaea possessing Type III RuBisCO utilize a unique pathway for AMP metabolism.
- This pathway involves DeoA and E2b2 homologs, distinct from the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle.
- Adenine is released from AMP, and the phosphoribose moiety enters central carbon metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diversity of Archaea III
Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like environments.Morphological...
01:29Overview of Archaea
Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...
01:28Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...
01:23Surface Appendages of Archaea
Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, and motility. Among these appendages, pili and archaella stand out for their distinct morphologies and functionalities, enabling archaea to thrive in diverse and often extreme environments.Pili: Adhesion and Biofilm FormationPili are filamentous structures assembled from pilin protein subunits, primarily contributing to adhesion and biofilm...
01:30Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
Anoxygenic photosynthesis is a phototrophic process that captures light energy to drive carbon fixation without producing molecular oxygen. Unlike oxygenic photosynthesis, which utilizes water as an electron donor and releases oxygen, anoxygenic phototrophs use alternative electron donors such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), elemental sulfur (S⁰), or thiosulfate (S₂O₃²⁻). This process is carried out by diverse groups of bacteria, including purple bacteria, green sulfur bacteria, heliobacteria, and...
01:15Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. However, because inorganic electron donors...