Formate dehydrogenase

James G. Ferry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abstract Formate is a substrate, or product, of diverse reactions catalyzed by eukaryotic organisms, eubacteria, and archaebacteria. A survey of metabolic groups reveals that formate is a common growth substrate, especially among the anaerobic eubacteria and archaebacteria. Formate also functions as an accessory reductant for the utilization of more complex substrates, and an intermediate in energy‐conserving pathways. The diversity of reactions involving formate dehydrogenases is apparent in the structures of electron acceptors which include pyridine nucleotides, 5‐deazaflavin, quinones, and ferredoxin. This diversity of electron acceptors is reflected in the composition of formate dehydrogenase. Studies on these enzymes have contributed to the biochemical and genetic understanding of selenium, molybdenum, tungsten, and iron in biology. The regulation of formate dehydrogenase synthesis serves as a model for understanding general principles of regulation in anaerobic organisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)377-382
Number of pages6
JournalFEMS Microbiology Letters
Volume87
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1990

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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