Biosynthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Compounds

Mark Morrison, Roderick i. Mackie

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Nitrogen is essential for growth in all biological systems, and its assimilation into a variety of life-sustaining compounds has been the topic of study for many microbiologists. This chapter focuses on ammonia assimilation and the biosynthesis of amino acids, polyamines, pyrimidines, and purines. Wherever possible, emphasis will be directed toward findings obtained from ruminai and colonic bacteria, although the knowledge base developed for these bacteria is relatively superficial. To overcome these limitations, some discussion pertaining to gramnegative enteric bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium [official designation, Salmonella enterica, serovar typhimurium], and Klebsiella spp.) and gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium spp.) has been included for the sake of clarity and reference. Readers interested in detailed information concerning the topics covered in this chapter, as well as the biosynthesis of nitrogen-containing vitamins and coenzymes, should refer to the volumes edited by Neidhardt et al. (1996) and Sonenshein et al. (1993), as well as the recent review of nitrogen control in bacteria by Merrick and Edwards (1995). The goals of this chapter are to provide a cohesive overview that complements the well-chronicled field of knowledge developed from these intensively studied species, and to highlight opportunities where further studies of ruminai and colonie bacteria may expand our understanding of these processes.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGastrointestinal Microbiology
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 1: Gastrointestinal Ecosystems and Fermentations
EditorsRoderick I. Mackie, Bryan A. White
PublisherSpringer
Chapter12
Pages424-469
ISBN (Electronic)9781461541110
ISBN (Print)9781461368434, 9780412983610
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Publication series

NameChapman & Hall Microbiology Series

Keywords

  • Glutamine Synthetase
  • Carbamoyl Phosphate
  • Colonic Bacterium
  • Ammonia Assimilation
  • Enteric Bacterium

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biosynthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Compounds'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this