An algal photoenzyme converts fatty acids to hydrocarbons

TLDR

Algal enzymes driven by blue light enable microalgae to produce hydrocarbons. The enzyme, a glucose‑methanolcholine oxidoreductase, requires continuous blue photon input and features a long hydrophobic tunnel that positions fatty acid substrates near its flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor. Expression of the enzyme in *Escherichia coli* demonstrated that hydrocarbon production depends on visible light. Published in Science, issue p.

Abstract

Algal enzyme driven by blue light Microalgae make hydrocarbons. In searching for the enzyme responsible, Sorigué et al. found a glucose-methanolcholine oxidoreductase (see the Perspective by Scrutton). Expression of the enzyme in Escherichia coli showed that hydrocarbon production requires visible light. In fact, the enzyme requires a constant input of blue photons to carry out its catalytic reaction. A long hydrophobic tunnel in the enzyme stabilizes the fatty acid substrates in proximity to the flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor. Science , this issue p. 903 ; see also p. 872