Abstract
Part I of the review deals with the necessary background of microbiological reactions and their applications. Speculations on the possibility of micro-organisms bringing about particular chemical reactions could be misleading if based on the case of effecting chemical reactions in the laboratory. The elaborate enzyme systems possessed by living micro-organisms enable them to effect at ordinary temperatures reactions that are difficult or impossible by chemical means, even with the aid of catalysts or of high temperatures. However, in surveying the possible utility of coal as a substrate for microbial growth it is useful to keep in mind the types of chemical change required if parts or all of the carbon structure present are to be assimilated by micro-organisms. The main need is to find micro-organisms that are able to open up aromatic and hydroaromatic rings and break down further the substances formed into simpler compounds that can be metabolized. Coal is fairly readily broken down by chemical oxidative methods. It is possible therefore that oxidative breakdown of a similar type might be achieved by microbial enzymes. Alternatively some reduction might be effected. The remarkable versatility of microbial cells in being able to carry out rapidly by means of enzyme systems
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Citation Formats
Ponsford, A P.
Microbiological activity in relation to coal utilisation. Part I. Background.
United Kingdom: N. p.,
1966.
Web.
Ponsford, A P.
Microbiological activity in relation to coal utilisation. Part I. Background.
United Kingdom.
Ponsford, A P.
1966.
"Microbiological activity in relation to coal utilisation. Part I. Background."
United Kingdom.
@misc{etde_6812349,
title = {Microbiological activity in relation to coal utilisation. Part I. Background}
author = {Ponsford, A P}
abstractNote = {Part I of the review deals with the necessary background of microbiological reactions and their applications. Speculations on the possibility of micro-organisms bringing about particular chemical reactions could be misleading if based on the case of effecting chemical reactions in the laboratory. The elaborate enzyme systems possessed by living micro-organisms enable them to effect at ordinary temperatures reactions that are difficult or impossible by chemical means, even with the aid of catalysts or of high temperatures. However, in surveying the possible utility of coal as a substrate for microbial growth it is useful to keep in mind the types of chemical change required if parts or all of the carbon structure present are to be assimilated by micro-organisms. The main need is to find micro-organisms that are able to open up aromatic and hydroaromatic rings and break down further the substances formed into simpler compounds that can be metabolized. Coal is fairly readily broken down by chemical oxidative methods. It is possible therefore that oxidative breakdown of a similar type might be achieved by microbial enzymes. Alternatively some reduction might be effected. The remarkable versatility of microbial cells in being able to carry out rapidly by means of enzyme systems complicated chemical changes of diverse type, in strong contrast to the protracted or drastic measures employed by the organic chemist to effect similar changes, is striking. In common with other catalysts, enzymes are regenerated unchanged after each transformation. Many biochemical changes require the operation in sequence of several different enzymes. In addition, many enzymes require the presence of co-enzymes--organic compounds within the cell which act as carriers of hydrogen, phosphate, etc.}
journal = []
volume = {30:1}
journal type = {AC}
place = {United Kingdom}
year = {1966}
month = {Jan}
}
title = {Microbiological activity in relation to coal utilisation. Part I. Background}
author = {Ponsford, A P}
abstractNote = {Part I of the review deals with the necessary background of microbiological reactions and their applications. Speculations on the possibility of micro-organisms bringing about particular chemical reactions could be misleading if based on the case of effecting chemical reactions in the laboratory. The elaborate enzyme systems possessed by living micro-organisms enable them to effect at ordinary temperatures reactions that are difficult or impossible by chemical means, even with the aid of catalysts or of high temperatures. However, in surveying the possible utility of coal as a substrate for microbial growth it is useful to keep in mind the types of chemical change required if parts or all of the carbon structure present are to be assimilated by micro-organisms. The main need is to find micro-organisms that are able to open up aromatic and hydroaromatic rings and break down further the substances formed into simpler compounds that can be metabolized. Coal is fairly readily broken down by chemical oxidative methods. It is possible therefore that oxidative breakdown of a similar type might be achieved by microbial enzymes. Alternatively some reduction might be effected. The remarkable versatility of microbial cells in being able to carry out rapidly by means of enzyme systems complicated chemical changes of diverse type, in strong contrast to the protracted or drastic measures employed by the organic chemist to effect similar changes, is striking. In common with other catalysts, enzymes are regenerated unchanged after each transformation. Many biochemical changes require the operation in sequence of several different enzymes. In addition, many enzymes require the presence of co-enzymes--organic compounds within the cell which act as carriers of hydrogen, phosphate, etc.}
journal = []
volume = {30:1}
journal type = {AC}
place = {United Kingdom}
year = {1966}
month = {Jan}
}