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Title:
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2,4,6-trinitrotoluene reduction by hydrogenase in Clostridium acetobutylicum |
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Author:
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Watrous, Mary Margaret |
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Advisor:
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Hughes, Joseph B. |
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Degree:
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Master of Science thesis |
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Abstract:
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Unique genetic modifications to C. acetobutylicum altered the level of hydrogenase expression, allowing study of the resulting effects on the 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) reduction rates to be possible. A strain designed to over-express the hydrogenase gene resulted in maintained TNT reduction during late growth phases when it is not typically observed. Strains exhibiting under-expression of hydrogenase produced slower TNT rates of reduction correlating to the expected inhibition of each strain type. Hydrogenase activity, measured by hydrogen production, in Clostridium acetobutylicum correlates strongly (R2 = 0.89) to TNT reduction rates. Indications suggested that hydrogenase potentially played an integral role in catalysis of TNT transformation by reducing its nitro substituents to the corresponding hydroxylamines. A mechanistic pathway is proposed by which this transformation takes place and may enhance the understanding of commonly found hydrogenases in other microorganisms and their ability to transform nitroaromatic compounds. |
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Citation:
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Watrous, Mary Margaret. "2,4,6-trinitrotoluene reduction by hydrogenase in Clostridium acetobutylicum." Masters Thesis, Rice University, ETD http://hdl.handle.net/1911/17632. |
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Citable link to this page:
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http://hdl.handle.net/1911/17632 |
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Date:
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2003 |
