(1) Institute for Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
Abstract:
Proteins carrying a prosthetic heme group are vital parts of bacterial energy conserving and stress response systems. They also mediate complex enzymatic reactions and regulatory processes. Here, we review the multistep biosynthetic pathway of heme formation including the enzymes involved and reaction mechanisms. Potential biotechnological implications are discussed.