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Description of an estuarine methylotrophic methanogen, which grows on dimethyl sulfite

January 1, 1989

Characteristics of an obligately methylotrophic coccoid methanogen (strain GS-16) previously isolated from estuarine sediment are described. Growth was demonstrated on dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or trimethylamine (TMA), but not on methane thiol, methane thiol plus hydrogen, dimethyl disulfide, or methionine. DMS-grown cells were able to metabolize DMS and TMA simultaneously when inoculated into media containing substrate levels of these compounds. However, TMA-grown cells could not metabolize [14C]DMS to 14CH4, although they could convert [14C]methanol to 14CH4. These results suggest that metabolism of DMS proceeds along a somewhat different route than that of TMA and perhaps also that of methanol. The organism exhibited doubling times of 23 and 32 h for growth (25°C) in mineral media on TMA and DMS, respectively. Doubling times were more rapid (∼6 h) when the organisms were grown on TMA in complex broth. In mineral media, the fastest growth on DMS occurred between pH levels of 7.0 and 8.7, at 29°C, and with 0.2 to 0.4 M Na+ and 0.04 M Mg2+. Somewhat different results occurred for growth on TMA in complex broth. Cells had a moles percent G+C value of 44.5% for their DNA. Growth on DMS, TMA, and methanol yielded stable carbon isotope fractionation factors of 1.044, 1.037, and 1.063, respectively. Fractionation factors for hydrogen were 1.203 (DMS) and 1.183 (TMA).

Publication Year 1989
Title Description of an estuarine methylotrophic methanogen, which grows on dimethyl sulfite
DOI 10.1128/aem.55.4.994-1002.1989
Authors Ronald S. Oremland, Ronald P. Kiene, Indra Mathrani, Michael J. Whiticar, David R. Boone
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Index ID 70175217
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization San Francisco Bay-Delta; Toxic Substances Hydrology Program; Pacific Regional Director's Office