Methanesulfonic Acid Degradation Pathway

Methanesulfonic Acid Pathway Map

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This pathway was contributed by Dr.Larry Wackett and completed by Jian Ma, University of Minnesota.

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is the principal biogenic organic sulfur compound entering the atmosphere, where it undergoes light and chemical oxidation. Methanesulfonic acid (MSA), a strong acid that does not undergo photochemical oxidation, is produced by this oxidation and deposited on the earth's surface, where it can be biodegraded as shown below (Higgins et al., 1996).

The following is a text-format Methanesulfonic acid pathway map. An organism which can initiate the pathway is given, but other organisms may also carry out later steps. Follow the links for more information on compounds or reactions. This map is also available in graphic (6k) format. 

               Methanesulfonic acid (MSA)              
            Proteobacteria alph subclass M2
                          |
                          |
                          |
                          | msa monooxygenase (MSAMO) 
                          |
                          |
                          v
                     Formaldehyde + Sulfurous acid
                          |
                          |
                          |
                          |
                          |
                          |
                          v
                        to the 
                  C1 Metabolic Cycle
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Page Author(s): Jian Ma

March 14, 2006 Contact Us 

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http://umbbd.msi.umn.edu/msa/msa_map.html