The utilization of 3-mercapto-2-methylpropionate as sulphur source by a phototrophic bacterium.
A bacterium (strain photoB) photoassimilated 3-mercapto-2-methylpropionate as sole source of sulphur with methacrylate accumulating in the medium. This was thought to be the product of a sulphur-lyase type enzyme attacking the 3-mercapto-2-methylpropionate. Detailed examination of the biochemistry of the utilization of 3-mercapto-2-methylpropionate showed however that the thiol was first activated to 3-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl CoA. It appeared that this CoA-derivative then served as the substrate for a sulphur-lyase type enzyme, with methacrylyl-CoA as product. Further metabolism was via beta-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA and beta-hydroxyisobutyrate.
Department of Food Science, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
M R
MR
Smith
W J
WJ
van den Tweel
J A
JA
de Bont
D000214:Acyl Coenzyme A / Q000378:metabolism; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D001711:Biotransformation; D007700:Kinetics; D008190:Lyases / Q000378:metabolism; D018524:Phototropism; D011422:Propionates / Q000378:metabolism*; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D013997:Time Factors
D000214:Acyl Coenzyme A; D011422:Propionates; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; C054812:3-mercapto-2-methylpropionic acid; D008190:Lyases