MICROBIAL METABOLISM OF OXALATE AND ONE-CARBON COMPOUNDS

Abstract

Interest in aile-carbon metabolizing micro-organisms is due to the possibility of utilizing them as a source of single cell protein. Furthermore investigations on the metabolism of these bacteria that assimilate oxalate in addition, would aid in elucidating the fundamental process of autotrophic-heterotrophic  interconversions on these simple carbon compounds. The present review summarizes the recent developments in the latter field, while attempting to also point out the avenues for future investigations. It is divided into sections dealing with the metabolism of (A)  Oxalate (B) Formate (e) Formamide (D) Methane, Methanol, Methylamine and CO, followed by comparative notes on (E) Autotrophy and Methylotrophy.