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Bioenergetic Processes of Cyanobacteria pp 137–157Cite as

Nitrogenases and Hydrogenases in Cyanobacteria

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Abstract

Cyanobacteria may contain different types of nitrogenases that catalyzes (di)nitrogen fixation: two types of Mo-nitrogenases and the V-enzyme. The formation of ammonia by nitrogenases is accompanied with the production of hydrogen gas. This H2-formation is barely detectable in intact cyanobacteria, since the gas is immediately recycled by hydrogenase. Cyanobacteria contain two types of Ni-containing hydrogenases that are defined by their physiological function: An uptake hydrogenase serves to recycle H2, whereas a bidirectional, reversible enzyme catalyzes both uptake and evolution of the gas. The physiological, biochemical and genetic properties of nitrogenases and hydrogenases are described and discussed in this chapter. The constitutive expression of both hydrogenases even under aerobic growth conditions remains puzzling, although suggested explanations for this will be offered. Cyanobacteria are discussed as potential agents for the conversion of solar energy to generate H2-gas for commercial use. Current potentialities will be described at the end of this chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botanical Institute, The University of Cologne, Zuelpicherstr. 47b, 50923, Köln, Germany

    Hermann Bothe

  2. Johannes-Brahms-Str.16, 14624, Dalgow-Döberitz, Germany

    Oliver Schmitz

  3. Kingston Ridge, Fir Trees, BN7 3JU, Kingston, Lewes, Sussex, England

    M. Geoffrey Yates

  4. Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    William E. Newton

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  2. Oliver Schmitz
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  3. M. Geoffrey Yates
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  4. William E. Newton
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Correspondence to Hermann Bothe .

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  1. Inst. Physikalische Chemie, Molecular Bioenergetics Group, Univ. Wien, Währingerstr. 42, Wien, 1090, Austria

    Guenter A. Peschek

  2. Department für Chemie, Abteilung für Biochemie, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Althanstrasse 14, Wien, 1190, Austria

    Christian Obinger

  3. Fak. II Mathematik/Naturwissenschaften, Institut für Chemie, TU Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, Berlin, 10587, Berlin, Germany

    Gernot Renger

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Bothe, H., Schmitz, O., Yates, M.G., Newton, W.E. (2011). Nitrogenases and Hydrogenases in Cyanobacteria. In: Peschek, G., Obinger, C., Renger, G. (eds) Bioenergetic Processes of Cyanobacteria. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0388-9_6

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