Methylmercury uptake and degradation by methanotrophs.

ABSTRACT: Methylmercury (CH₃Hg⁺) is a potent neurotoxin produced by certain anaerobic microorganisms in natural environments. Although numerous studies have characterized the basis of mercury (Hg) methylation, no studies have examined CH₃Hg⁺ degradation by methanotrophs, despite their ubiquitous presence in the environment. We report that some methanotrophs, such as Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, can take up and degrade CH₃Hg⁺ rapidly, whereas others, such as Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, can take up but not degrade CH₃Hg⁺. Demethylation by M. trichosporium OB3b increases with increasing CH₃Hg⁺ concentrations but was abolished in mutants deficient in the synthesis of

SUBMITTER: Lu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5451197 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature