Hughes, Joseph B.2009-06-042009-06-042003Watrous, Mary Margaret. "2,4,6-trinitrotoluene reduction by hydrogenase in Clostridium acetobutylicum." (2003) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17632">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17632</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17632Unique genetic modifications to C. acetobutylicum altered the level of hydrogenase expression, allowing study of the resulting effects on the 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) reduction rates to be possible. A strain designed to over-express the hydrogenase gene resulted in maintained TNT reduction during late growth phases when it is not typically observed. Strains exhibiting under-expression of hydrogenase produced slower TNT rates of reduction correlating to the expected inhibition of each strain type. Hydrogenase activity, measured by hydrogen production, in Clostridium acetobutylicum correlates strongly (R2 = 0.89) to TNT reduction rates. Indications suggested that hydrogenase potentially played an integral role in catalysis of TNT transformation by reducing its nitro substituents to the corresponding hydroxylamines. A mechanistic pathway is proposed by which this transformation takes place and may enhance the understanding of commonly found hydrogenases in other microorganisms and their ability to transform nitroaromatic compounds.94 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.MicrobiologyBiochemistryEnvironmental engineeringThesisTHESIS C.E. 2003 WATROUS