Intracytoplasmic membrane formation inMethylomicrobium albumBG8 is stimulated by copper in the growth medium

Abstract

Methylomicrobium album BG8 uses methane as its sole source of carbon and energy. The oxidation of methane to methanol is catalyzed by the enzyme methane monooxygenase. Methane monooxygenase activity, intracytoplasmic membrane abundance, and cell mass increased with increasing copper concentration in the medium. When copper was added to copper-deficient cultures, cell mass and intracytoplasmic membrane structure increased. These findings are consistent with the presence of copper in the particulate methane monooxygenase. Methane monooxygenase activity and intracytoplasmic membrane abundance were correlated, suggesting that the methane monooxygenase may be involved in intracytoplasmic membrane proliferation.Key words: Methylomicrobium album BG8, copper, intracytoplasmic membrane, methane monooxygenase.