title: Detection of the osmoregulator betaine in methanogens.
abstract: Trimethyl glycine (glycine betaine) was detected by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at high intracellular concentrations in several methanogens (Methanogenium cariaci, "Methanogenium anulus" AN9, Methanohalophilus zhilinae, Methanohalophilus mahii, and Methanococcus voltae) grown on marine media containing yeast extract. 13C labeling studies with Methanogenium cariaci suggested that the betaine which accumulated inside the cells was not synthesized de novo but was transported in from the medium. Proof of such a transport system was provided by growing Methanogenium cariaci on yeast-free medium supplemented with betaine. Under these conditions, betaine was the dominant osmoregulator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02167.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Noll
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Menaia
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Boone
mesh_terms: D001622:Betaine / Q000032:analysis*; D003470:Culture Media; D019605:Euryarchaeota / Q000378:metabolism*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D001622:Betaine