Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
05:51
Direct Detection of the Acetate-forming Activity of the Enzyme Acetate Kinase
Published on: December 19, 2011
23.7K
Author Correction: Convergent evolution of a modified, acetate-driven TCA cycle in bacteria
Waldan K Kwong1, Hao Zheng, Nancy A Moran2
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA. wk.kwong@aya.yale.edu.
Nature Microbiology
|June 29, 2018
Summary
This study clarifies the widespread occurrence of a specific tricarboxylic acid (TCA) variant in diverse bacterial species, particularly those associated with animals. The authors acknowledge omitting prior research but confirm their findings remain valid.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Metabolism
- Genomics
Context:
- A specific tricarboxylic acid (TCA) variant has been identified in various bacterial species, including anaerobic Deltaproteobacteria.
- Previous research has indicated the presence of this TCA variant in certain bacterial groups.
Purpose:
- To investigate the broader distribution of a specific tricarboxylic acid (TCA) variant across different bacterial species.
- To demonstrate the presence of this TCA variant in additional, distantly related organisms using genetic methods.
Summary:
- The study confirms that a particular tricarboxylic acid (TCA) variant is more widespread than previously understood, with a notable prevalence in animal-associated bacteria.
- Genetic approaches were employed to show the existence of this alternative metabolic cycle in a wider range of organisms.
- The authors acknowledge the omission of relevant prior studies (refs 9-13) but affirm that their core findings are unaffected.
Impact:
- Highlights the broader ecological and evolutionary significance of this TCA variant in bacterial communities.
- Provides a foundation for further research into the functional roles and distribution of this metabolic pathway in diverse environments.
- Emphasizes the importance of comprehensive literature review in scientific communication.
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