Methyl sulfide production by a novel carbon monoxide metabolism in Methanosarcina acetivorans

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 Jan;74(2):540-2. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01750-07. Epub 2007 Nov 16.

Abstract

We observed dimethyl sulfide and methanthiol production in pure incubations of the methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans when carbon monoxide (CO) served as the only electron donor. Energy conservation likely uses sodium ion gradients for ATP synthesis. This novel metabolism permits utilization of CO by the methanogen, resulting in quantitative sulfide methylation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Monoxide / metabolism*
  • Methanosarcina / growth & development
  • Methanosarcina / metabolism*
  • Sulfides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Sulfides
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • dimethyl sulfide