Science Links Japan | Structure and Function of Enzymes Involved in the Methanogenic Pathway Utilizing Carbon Dioxide and Mol.
Although this research was reported in a Japanese science journal, it was accomplished in Germany.
The import of it is, that: German scientists are developing enzymes to facilitate, to reduce the energy costs of, a process for converting Carbon Dioxide into Methane.
Comment follows excerpts from:
"Structure and Function of Enzymes Involved in the Methanogenic Pathway Utilizing Carbon Dioxide and Molecular Hydrogen.
Author(s): S. Shima, et. al.; Max Planck Institute and Philipps Univeristy; Germany
Publication: Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering; 2002
Abstract: Methane is an end product of anaerobic degradation of organic compounds in fresh water environments such as lake sediments and the intestinal tract of animals. Methanogenic archaea produce methane from carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen, acetate and C1 compounds such as methanol in an energy gaining process. The methanogenic pathway utilizing carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen involves ten methanogen specific enzymes, which catalyze unique reactions using novel coenzymes. These enzymes have been purified and biochemically characterized. The genes encoding the enzymes have been cloned and sequenced. Recently, crystal structures of five methanogenic enzymes ... were reported. In this review, we describe the pathway utilizing carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen and the catalytic mechanisms of the enzymes based on their crystal structures."
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Not a lot of concrete conclusions are presented about this "energy gaining process". But, our point, again, is: We know how to convert Carbon Dioxide into Methane, and we're getting better, more efficient, at the task by using bacteria to do the job with little needed extra energy input from us.
Once we have the Methane, we can use it, either to convert even more Carbon Dioxide, via tri-reforming technologies, into useful hydrocarbons; or, to enhance the productivity of certain indirect Coal liquefaction processes.
Or, as we have more than amply documented, we can catalyze the Methane directly into liquid fuel.
And, we do need to point out, again, as we have documented and will continue to document: The bacteria known as "Methanogenic archaea" can, and do, survive and thrive in hostile subterranean environments, such as the pore spaces in the rock of geologic petroleum deposits.
When you consider the issue of imposed geo-sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in nearly-depleted oil reservoirs, undertaken by oil field operators, but all at the coal-use industry's expense, and risk, as per the Louisiana law we earlier reported, keep in mind that bugs could, and likely will, be put to work underground, brewing up a new cash crop of Methane for those oil field operators.