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John Leigh

Energy Research Area: Hydrogen and methane production by methanogenic Archaea

Professor
School of Medicine
Microbiology

Methane and hydrogen, both fuel gasses, are produced by methanogenic Archaea. Methane is the product of energy-generating metabolism, while hydrogen can be produced by hydrogenase or nitrogenase enzymes. We are studying the biochemical pathways of electron flow that determine the efficiency of methane and hydrogen production. In addition, we are generating a model of the regulatory networks that govern the metabolic response to environmental conditions.

Volta demonstrated that gas collected from marshy areas & sediments could be ignited when exposed to air and was later determined to contain methane. Eventually it was determined that the methane collected from these environments was biologically produced
Volta demonstrated that gas collected from marshy areas & sediments could be ignited when exposed to air and was later determined to contain methane. Eventually it was determined that the methane collected from these environments was biologically produced

Campus and Other Collaborators/Partners

  • Murray Hackett, University of Washington
  • Nitin Baliga, Institute for Systems Biology
  • William Whitman, University of Georgia

Record last updated on November 28th 2011 PDT.