Newly Found Species of Bacteria Lives On Pure Caffeine

[n2doc]

By Rebecca BoylePosted 05.26.2011 at 9:47 am

A newly described species of bacteria has joined the ranks of those of us who depend on caffeine for survival. The little microbe, Pseudomonas putida, uses specialized enzymes to break the precious compound into carbon dioxide and ammonia, scientists say.

Previous research had noted microbial consumption of caffeine, which is found naturally in soil and in the seeds, leaves and fruit of several plants, serving as a natural pesticide. But this is the first time researchers figured out just how a microorganism breaks it down. The discovery of these specialized enzymes could help lead to treatments for various diseases, according to the American Society for Microbiology.

That's because byproducts of the caffeine breakdown process are natural building blocks for drugs used to treat asthma, improve blood flow and stabilize heart arrhythmias. These compounds are hard to produce in the lab, so using the bacteria’s special enzymes could simplify pharmaceutical production, microbiologists say.

Caffeine, for all its utility in keeping your eyes open throughout the day, is just a cluster of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. It is built of three methyl groups, which consist of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms each. The bacteria has enzymes that break down these methyl groups, allowing it to feast on the chemical constituents. The enzymes were named N-demethylase A and B.

more

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-05/newly-found-species-bacteria-thrives-caffeine

[mysuzuki2]

1. That bacteria should do well in grad school.

[Warpy]

2. Pseudomonas that lives on caffeine?

I'll bet it evolved in some of the critical care units I've worked in.

[eleny]

3. A snapshot of this bacteria...

[Enrique]

6. yep

that's the jitterbug all right. :-)

[truedelphi]

4. Does this mean there is a microbial-world

chain of "StarBugs" - with no decaf on the menu, of course!

[geckosfeet]

5. I must share some it's dna.

[donco]

7. What trucking company

does "The little microbe" drive for now?Haven't heard that handle lately.:woohoo:

[AtheistCrusader]

8. NOOOOOO GET AWAY FROM THAT

KILL THEM KILL THEM ALL

[rug]

9. Guess which ones.

[Orsino]

10. Sounds like an old boss of mine. n/t