Abstract
N2 fixation by Streptomyces thermoautotrophicus follows the equation N2 + 4-12MgATP + 8H+ + 8e- --> 2NH3 + H2 + 4-12MgADP + 4-12Pi and exhibits features which are not obvious in the diazotrophic bacteria studied so far. The reaction is coupled to the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) by a molybdenum-containing CO dehydrogenase that transfers the electrons derived from CO oxidation to O2, thereby producing superoxide anion radicals (O-2). A manganese-containing superoxide oxidoreductase reoxidizes the O-2 anions to O2 and transfers the electrons to a MoFeS-dinitrogenase for the reduction of N2 to ammonium. Among the most striking properties of the S. thermoautotrophicus nitrogenase system are the dependence on O2 and O-2, the complete insensitivity of all components involved toward O2 and H2O2, the inability to reduce ethine or ethene, and a low MgATP requirement. In addition, the subunit structure of the S. thermoautotrophicus nitrogenase components and the polypeptides involved seem to be dissimilar from the known nitrogenases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
