| Description | Methylococcus capsulatus is a mesophilic microbe, preferring temperatures between 20-40°C, and is classified as a chemolithoautotroph. It derives its energy by oxidizing methane (CH4) as its primary energy source, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. This process is facilitated by the enzyme methane monooxygenase, which is responsible for the oxidation of methane. Methylococcus capsulatus is a gram-negative bacterium, exhibiting a coccus shape, with rounded cells usually occurring in pairs or chains. It is found in a variety of environments, including soil, sediment, and freshwater, and has been reported to inhabit all types of body sites across different species. This microbe is an obligate aerobe, requiring the presence of oxygen to thrive. It is unable to grow in anaerobic conditions and is sensitive to low oxygen levels. Additionally, Methylococcus capsulatus is capable of fixing carbon dioxide using the Calvin cycle, making it a photoautotroph. Methylococcus capsulatus plays a crucial role in the environment, as it helps to regulate methane levels in soil and aquatic ecosystems, preventing its accumulation and reducing its negative impact on the climate. Furthermore, its ability to degrade methane makes it a potential bioremediation agent for contaminated sites. In terms of its biotechnological applications, Methylococcus capsulatus has been used in the production of single-cell protein, and its methane-oxidizing enzymes have been harnessed for the development of biocatalysts for various industrial processes. |
|---|
