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Quantification of Bacterial Histidine Kinase Autophosphorylation Using a Nitrocellulose Binding Assay
Published on: January 11, 2017
Utilization of histidine by Caulobacter crescentus
D M Ferber1, F Khambaty, B Ely
1Department of Biology, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208.
Journal of General Microbiology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Caulobacter crescentus degrades histidine via a novel pathway, producing ammonia, glutamate, and formate. This process suggests a unique nitrogen assimilation strategy in bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Caulobacter crescentus possesses an inducible pathway for histidine degradation.
- Pathway induction requires both glucose and ammonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the metabolic fate of histidine and its nitrogen atoms in Caulobacter crescentus.
- To investigate the potential production of formamide or other byproducts during histidine degradation.
Main Methods:
- Growth yield experiments were conducted.
- Culture fluid analysis was performed to detect metabolic byproducts.
Main Results:
- Growth yield suggested only two of histidine's three nitrogen atoms were utilized for growth.
- Formamide was not detected; instead, formate was identified as a byproduct.
- A novel pathway is proposed, yielding ammonia, glutamate, and formate per histidine molecule.
Conclusions:
- Caulobacter crescentus degrades histidine through a newly identified metabolic pathway.
- The pathway produces ammonia, glutamate, and formate, with the third nitrogen likely incorporated into a secondary metabolite.
