Nitrous oxide production by Escherichia coli is correlated with nitrate reductase activity.
Nitrous oxide production by Escherichia coli seems to result from the reduction of NO2- by NO3- reductase. This hypothesis is consistent with previous observations and with the observation that molybdenum was required for both NO3- reduction and N2O production. Several E. coli NO3- reductase mutants were assayed for both N2O-producing and NO3--reducing activity. The hypothesized role of NO3- reductase is supported by the correlation of these two activities. Nitrate reduction to NH4+ enhanced growth, but NO2- reduction to N2O apparently did not. Therefore, this process differs significantly from respiratory denitrification.
D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D007700:Kinetics; D009565:Nitrate Reductases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D013045:Species Specificity
D009565:Nitrate Reductases; D009609:Nitrous Oxide