Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is the principal biogenic organic sulfur compound entering the atmosphere, where it undergoes light and chemical oxidation. Methanesulfonic acid (MSA), a strong acid that does not undergo photochemical oxidation, is produced by this oxidation and deposited on the earth's surface, where it can be biodegraded as shown below (Higgins et al., 1996).
The following is a text-format Methanesulfonic acid pathway map. An organism which can initiate the pathway is given, but other organisms may also carry out later steps. Follow the links for more information on compounds or reactions. This map is also available in graphic (6k) format.
Methanesulfonate (MSA) Proteobacteria alph subclass M2 | | | | msa monooxygenase (MSAMO) | | v Formaldehyde + Hydrogen Sulfite | | | | | | v to the C1 Metabolic Cycle
Page Author(s): Jian Ma
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