Nature 286, 561 - 564 (07 August 1980); doi:10.1038/286561a0

New findings in methane-utilizing bacteria highlight their importance in the biosphere and their commercial potential

I. J. Higgins, D. J. Best & R. C. Hammond

Biological Laboratory, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK

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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