Methyl-coenzyme M, an intermediate in methanogenic dissimilation of C1 compounds by Methanosarcina barkeri

Extracts of Methanosarcina barkeri possess a specific methyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of the methyl group of methanol to 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid. Over a fourfold range in added 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid, the formation of 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid exhibited a 1:1 ratio to 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid added. This reaction required adenosine 5'-triphosphate; a maximal ratio (mole/mole) of 85 methyl groups was transferred per adenosine 5'-triphosphate added. The methyltransferase was found in extracts of methanol-grown cells as well as in extracts of hydrogen-grown cells. In extracts of cells grown on either substrate, 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid was formed from added methanol or methylamine but not from acetate.