Function of the Rhizobium etli CFN42 nirK gene in nitrite metabolism. (1st February 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bueno, E.; Gómez-Hernández, N.; Girard, L.; Bedmar, E.J.; Delgado, M.J.
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 33:Number 1(2005)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2005-02-01
• Subjects: anaerobiosis -- denitrification -- detoxification -- nitrite reduction -- respiratory nitrite reductase -- Rhizobium etli; Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/BST0330162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : Rhizobium etli CFN42 is not capable of growing anaerobically with nitrate but it grows with nitrite as a terminal electron acceptor. This bacterium contains the nirK gene encoding the copper-containing Nir (nitrite reductase), which is located on the cryptic plasmid pCFN42f. Mutational analysis has demonstrated that a nirK deficient mutant was not capable of growing under nitrite-respiring conditions. Moreover, microaerobic growth of this mutant was inhibited by the presence of nitrite. Nir activity and nitrite uptake were highly diminished in a nirK mutant, compared with the wild-type levels after incubation under anaerobic conditions. Our results suggest that the copper-containing Nir may have both a respiratory and a nitrite-detoxifying role in R. etli .