Abstract:
The obligate methanotroph, Methylosinus trichosporium 0B3b
synthesised up to 20 % of its dry weight as poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate
when grown in batch culture or nitrogen limited continuous culture on
a methanol/ammonium salts medium. Four soluble enzymes associated with
polymer metabolism, D(-)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (3-HBD),
acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase, beta-ketothiolase and acetoacetyl-CoA
reductase have been purified from the crude extract of this organism.
Detailed kinetic studies were conducted on each enzyme and their role
in the regulation of polymer metabolism was assessed. Cont/d.
