Structural and biochemical characterization of enzymes used by anaerobic energy extremophiles for sulfur and carbon transformation

Abstract

This thesis studies the metabolic pathways of methanogens, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and autotrophic acetogens, using pure cultures and microbial communities. As their metabolisms provide near-zero ATP yield under physiological conditions, they rely on energy-saving mechanisms to enable survival and growth. The goal of my PhD thesis is to explore the sophisticated machinery and efficient pathways of these energy extremophiles and to unravel, at the molecular level, the key players involved in assimilatory and energetic processes, particularly for the elements sulfur and carbon. Using physiological, biochemical, spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic techniques, I have investigated different enzyme complexes involved in the energy and assimilatory metabolisms of energy limited microorganisms.