nosX is essential for whole-cell N₂O reduction in Paracoccus denitrificans but not for assembly of copper centres of nitrous oxide reductase.

ABSTRACT: Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is produced naturally as an intermediate during the process of denitrification carried out by some soil bacteria. It is consumed by nitrous oxide reductase (N₂OR), the terminal enzyme of the denitrification pathway, which catalyses a reduction reaction to generate dinitrogen. N₂OR contains two important copper cofactors (Cu_A and Cu_Z centres) that are essential for activity, and in copper-limited environments, N₂OR fails to function, contributing to rising levels of atmospheric N₂O and a major environmental challenge. Here we report studies of nosX, one of eight genes in the nos cluster of the soil dwelling α-proteobaterium Paraccocus denitrifican

SUBMITTER: Bennett SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7660919 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature