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Title: Progress Report: DE-FG03-97ER20274, ''Microbial Production of Isoprene''

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/792551· OSTI ID:792551

We have discovered that microorganisms produce and emit the hydrocarbon isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), and have suggested that if isoprene-producing enzymes and their genes can be harnessed, useful hydrocarbon-producing systems might be constructed. The main goal of the proposed work is to establish the biochemical mechanism and regulation of isoprene formation in the bacterial system, Bacillus subtilis. Specific objectives of the proposed work are the following: (A) to characterize the physiological regulation of isoprene formation in B. subtilis; (B) to characterize mutations in B. subtilis 168 that suppress isoprene formation, clone these genes, and determine how isoprene and isoprenoid carbon flow are regulated; and (C) to test ''overflow'' and ''signaling'' models for Bacillus isoprene formation. We are also pursuing the isolation and cloning of B. subtilis isoprene synthase, which we believe may be a regulatory enzyme.

Research Organization:
University of Colorado (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Research (ER) (US)
DOE Contract Number:
FG03-97ER20274
OSTI ID:
792551
Report Number(s):
DOEER20274; TRN: US200212%%188
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 13 Mar 2002
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English