Abstract

Microorganisms and their enzymes drive global biogeochemical cycles and impact ecosystem processes that directly influence plant, animal, and environmental health. Key reactions are catalyzed by metalloenzymes with active sites that contain iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and molybdenum (Mo) sulfide cofactors. However, under anoxic conditions, such metals are bio-unavailable, raising questions of how anaerobes biosynthesize such metalloenzymes. Recent work indicates that methanogens can convert pyrite (FeS2), the most abundant iron sulfide mineral in Earth's crust, into metalloenzymes that interconvert CO2 to CH4, N2 to NH3, and H2 to H+.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.