New findings in methane-utilizing bacteria highlight their importance in the biosphere and their commercial potential.
Recent results, showing that the ubiquitous methane-utilizing bacteria (methanotrophs) can partially oxidize and, in some cases, extensively metabolize complex organic compounds, call for a reappraisal of their role in the cycling of elements in the biosphere. Possible environmental implications and opportunities for industrial exploitation are discussed.
D005075:Biological Evolution; D004777:Environment; D008697:Methane / Q000378:metabolism*; D008772:Methylococcaceae / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D013379:Substrate Specificity
D008697:Methane