Molecular Biology: Open Access

Microorganisms Use Methane as their Sole Source of Energy and Carbon

Abstract

Ian Peake*

Methanotrophs are a group of microorganisms that can use methane as their sole source of energy and carbon. These microorganisms play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, as they consume large amounts of methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Understanding the genetics and molecular biology of methanotrophs is important for developing new strategies to harness their potential for bioremediation and bioenergy production. Genetic studies of methanotrophs have identified several key genes involved in methane metabolism. One such gene is the methane monooxygenase gene, which encodes for an enzyme that converts methane into methanol. There are two types of enzymes found in methanotrophs particulate methane monooxygenase and soluble methane monooxygenase. The pMMO enzyme is located on the outer membrane of the cell and is composed of three subunits, while the sMMO enzyme is located in the cytoplasm and is composed of two subunits.