[Multiple functions of corrinoids in prokaryote biology].

Data on more than 30 metabolic processes and biochemical reactions, involving corrinoids, which have been described in prokaryotes thus far, are reviewed. These pathways (central or specific, catabolic or anabolic) are inherent in bacteria and archebacteria of diverse phylogenetic lineages, comprising several physiological groups. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of corrinoid-dependent transmethylation in acetogenesis and methanogenesis and on the contribution of adenosylcobalamin in DNA metabolism.