Sulfur cycling in soil environments how bacteria contribute to the oxidation of organic and inorganic sulfur compounds (2008-2012)
Abstract
Soils are an important sink for atmospheric carbon and sulfur compounds, and in this project we will investigate the fate of organic and inorganic sulfur compounds in soil environments. A central intermediate in the bacterial oxidation pathways for both types of compounds is sulfite. Our research will identify the sulfite-oxidizing enzymes present in each pathway and investigate how sulfite oxidation contributes to the cellular energy balance. We will be first to show how gene regulation contributes to the integration of sulfite oxidation into major metabolic pathways. Through this project, data with significant implications for the management of sulfur availability in agriculturally used soils will become available.
