Methanol accumulation by resting cells of methylosinus trichosporium (I)

Abstract

Techniques for measuring methanol accumulated by resting cells of Methylosinus trichosporium in the narrow range of 70–80 mM phosphate concentration have been standardized. The maximum amount of methanol, 6 μmol • mg -1 • hr-1, was accumulated at a cell density of 2 mg • ml-1 (w/v) of cells in the early stationary phase at pH 6.5, temperature 35°C. The phosphate-dependent inhibition of methanol dehydrogenase was found to be uncompetitive and reversible. Further, 80 mM phosphate inhibited methane monooxygenase and formate dehydrogenase by 16% and 20% respectively. A possible biochemical explanation of the role of phosphate inhibition is offered. © 1987, Applied Microbiology, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research Foundation. All rights reserved.