Methanotrophs & methylotrophs

Methylotrophs oxidize?

C1 compounds = no C-C bonds (non-organic)

Which of the following are examples of methylotrophs?

CH2OH, HCOOH, CH4, CH3N2

What are methanotrophs?

Methylotrophs capable of oxidizing methane (CH4) to methanol

Are methanotrophs aerobes?

Yes - obligate aerobes, often microaerophilic

What is the enzyme that oxidizes CH4 and needs O2 in methanotrophs?

Methane monooxygenase (MMO)

Methanotrophs are ___ C1 utilizers.

obligate

Methanotrophs have what kind of membranes?

Intracytoplasmic membranes

Where can methanotrophs be found and why?

Morphologically diverse = soil, water, a lot of places as long as there is CH4.

Methanotroph environments

Aquatic & terrestrial habitats. E.g., cattle rumen, swamps (although CH4, O2 often too low)

What kind of interface is often needed for methanotrophs to be found?

Anoxic (where methane is found) & oxic (needed for respiration) zones. Frequently observed at the thermocline (e.g., lake water columns)

Methanotrophs oxidize…?

Oxidize methane and other C1 compounds, which lack C-C bonds.

Why do methanotrophs oxidize C1?

Unable to utilize compounds containing c-c bonds.

What do methanotrophs have that allow them to oxidize methane to methanol? Where can this be found?

Enzyme methane monooxygenase (MMO), in intracytoplasmic membranes (membranes inside cell)

Methanotrophs are ___ aerobes.

Obligate

In nature, where are methanotrophs found?

At the thermocline btwn anoxic zones, where methane is formed, and oxic zones, where O2 is available for respiration

Some methanotrophs are symbionts of what?

Marine mussels that live near geological sources of methane, inhabiting mussel lung tissue.