Abstract
Recent results, showing that the ubiquitous methane-utilizing bacteria (methanotrophs) can partially oxidize and, in some cases, extensively metabolize complex organic compounds, call for a reappraisal of their role in the cycling of elements in the biosphere. Possible environmental implications and opportunities for industrial exploitation are discussed.
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Higgins, I., Best, D. & Hammond, R. New findings in methane-utilizing bacteria highlight their importance in the biosphere and their commercial potential. Nature 286, 561–564 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/286561a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/286561a0
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