www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

A science professor has discovered that the DNA of a bacterium digests, and
therefore breaks down, cellulose ? the first step in the carbohydrate's
conversion into ethanol, January 2007.

Ethanol is mostly sourced from grain by converting its cellulose into
glucose before being processed into the eco-friendly fuel.

A University of Wisconsin ? Milwaukee (UWM) professor recently assisted the
US Department of Energy (DOE) to find another source for ethanol by
analysing the DNA of a bacterium that can break down cellulose.

Cellulose is the major structural component of plants that is also found in
forestry by-products (including paper) and waste feedstocks.

Mark McBride, a professor of biological sciences examined the genes of the
bacteria ?Cytophaga hutchinsonii? that are responsible for the organism's
ability to digest cellulose.

This study allowed him to explore how the bacteria have potential uses in
bioenergy.

Unusual kind of bacteria

McBride was surprised by the results: "Microorganisms typically require two
kinds of enzymes to efficiently break down cellulose," he said.

"One type cuts the long carbohydrate molecule through the middle, while
another chews small pieces from the ends."

It was found not to be the case with C. hutchinsonii, which appeared to be
lacking one of the usual enzymes.

The information could help DOE devise mixtures of microorganisms or enzymes
that will more efficiently convert cellulose into glucose, and finally into
ethanol, the scientists reported.

McBride hopes the complete genome for C. hutchinsonii will yield other clues
to the interconnections among other bacteria.

He is now collaborating with DOE to sequence the entire genome of F.
johnsoniae, which will allow a full comparison of the genes of the two
microorganisms.

www.checkbiotech.org

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