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Biogenesis and Structure of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Granules

  • Chapter
Inclusions in Prokaryotes

Part of the book series: Microbiology Monographs ((MICROMONO,volume 1))

Abstract

A large variety of prokaryotes are capable of accumulating polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as water-insoluble inclusions in the cytoplasm, and are referred to as PHA granules. Generally, PHAs represent storage compounds for carbon and energy, and they are synthesized under unbalanced growth conditions, i.e., when the carbon source is available in excess and when another nutrient is limited at the same time. In this case, further microbial growth is prevented, and PHAs are accumulated in the cytoplasm of the cells. These PHAs may possess molecular masses of up to several million daltons, and the polyester might represent the major cell constituent, contributing up to 90% or even more of the cellular dry weight. At the beginning of this chapter a brief overview about the PHA synthase and the different metabolic pathways occurring in prokaryotes will be given. The main topic focuses on the biogenesis of PHA granules and the chemical and physical properties of PHA granules produced by bacteria. The function of granule-associated proteins during the biogenesis and mobilization of PHA granules will also be discussed in detail. The chapter will be completed with an overview about applications of PHA granules as surface coatings and as nanoparticles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 3, 48149, Münster, Germany

    Markus Pötter & Alexander Steinbüchel

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  1. Markus Pötter
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  2. Alexander Steinbüchel
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  1. Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA

    Jessup M. Shively (Prof. Emeritus of Biochemistry) (Prof. Emeritus of Biochemistry)

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Pötter, M., Steinbüchel, A. (2006). Biogenesis and Structure of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Granules. In: Shively, J.M. (eds) Inclusions in Prokaryotes. Microbiology Monographs, vol 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-33774-1_5

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