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Catalysis of an isotopic exchange between CO2 and the carboxyl group of acetate by Methanosarcina barkeri grown on acetate

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Abstract

Cell suspensions of Methanosarcina barkeri (strain Fusaro) grown on acetate were found to catalyze the formation of methane and CO2 from acetate (30–40 nmol/min·mg protein) and an isotopic exchange between the carboxyl group of acetate and 14CO2 (30–40 nmol/min·mg protein). An isotopic exchange between [14C]-formate and acetate was not observed. Cells grown on methanol mediated neither methane formation from acetate nor the exchange reactions. The data indicate that the isotopic exchange between CO2 and the carboxyl group of acetate is a partial reaction of methanogenesis from acetate. Both reactions were completely inhibited by low concentrations of cyanide (20 μM) or of hydrogen (0.5% in the gas phase). Methane formation from acetate was also completely inhibited by low concentrations of carbon monoxide (0.2% in the gas phase) whereas only significantly higher concentrations of CO had an effect on the exchange reaction. In the concentration range tested KCN, H2 and CO had no effect on methane formation from methanol or from H2 and CO2; however, cyanide (20 μM) also affected methane formation from CO. The results are discussed with respect to proposed mechanisms of methane and CO2 formation from acetate.

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  1. Fachbereich Biologie, Mikrobiologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, D-3550, Marburg, Germany

    Bernhard Eikmanns & Rudolf K. Thauer

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  1. Bernhard Eikmanns
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  2. Rudolf K. Thauer
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Eikmanns, B., Thauer, R.K. Catalysis of an isotopic exchange between CO2 and the carboxyl group of acetate by Methanosarcina barkeri grown on acetate. Arch. Microbiol. 138, 365–370 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410905

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410905

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