Abstract 1504 Comparison of Methyl and Ethyl Mercaptan Oxidation by MMase from Thiobacillus thioparus

Methyl mercaptan oxidase (MMase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of primary thiols, including methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) and ethyl mercaptan (CH3CH2SH). This reaction produces aldehydes, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This activity allows Thiobacillus thioparus to metabolize sulfur compounds as a chemoautotrophic energy source in sulfur-rich environments such as soil and sewage systems. In order to produce enzyme samples, T. thioparus was cultured in a phosphate-based media, supplemented with dimethyl sulfide in order to induce the expression of MMase.