Characterization of the cytochromes occurring in Methanosarcina species.

Several members of the genus Methanosarcina were investigated by room-temperature and low-temperature difference spectroscopy for the presence of cytochromes. In combination with potentiometric titrations two membrane-bound b-cytochromes and one membrane-bound c-cytochrome could be detected in cells grown on methanol or trimethylamine. Very probably acetate-grown cells contained an additional cytochrome b. The midpoint potentials of the two b-type cytochromes were Em1 = -325 mV and Em2 = -183 mV, respectively. The additional b cytochrome formed during growth on acetate exhibited a midpoint potential of Em3 = -250 mV.