BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCTION OF COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE COMPOUNDS

摘要

The invention relates to systems and methods for production of compounds by yeast and other organisms. In one approach yeast engineered for production of a compound of commercial value is cultured together with a cellulosic bacteria, and the yeast uses a metabolic product produced by the bacteria as a carbon source. Methyl halides are an example of compounds that may be produced by this process. The invention also relates to production of organic compounds using genetically engineered organisms expressing a S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyl halide transferase. In one approach the organism, halides and a carbon source are incubated in a cultivation medium under conditions in which methyl halide is produced. The methyl halide may be collected and converted into non-halogenated organic molecules.