Biochemistry of dissimilatory sulphate reduction

Abstract

Extensive information is available on the enzymology of respiratory sulphate reduction and the structure of electron transfer proteins isolated from the sulphate-reducing bacteria; however, it has not yet been possible to delineate satisfactorily the function of these electron transfer proteins in terms of the enzymes involved in respiratory sulphate reduction. New information about differences in pyrophosphate metabolism by Desulfovibrio and Desulfotomaculum, cellular localizations of electron transfer proteins and enzymes, and the concepts of vectorial electron transfer plus hydrogen cycling suggest that previous data on the function of electron transfer proteins must be re-evaluated and new experimental approaches designed before the problem is resolved. New information on the enzymology of lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, adenylyl sulphate reductase, bisulphite reductase and hydrogenase is presented and discussed in the context of enzyme localization and specifically for electron transfer proteins. The function of cytochrome c3 (Mr = 13000) in the mechanism of the periplasmic hydrogenase and the role of the new [3Fe-3S] non-haem iron centres in electron transfer is emphasized.