Bacterial microcompartment

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Bacterial microcompartments are widespread bacterial organelles characterized by a protein shell composed of members of two protein families that encapsulates various enzymes.

Contents 1 Protein families forming the microcompartment shell 1.1 The BMC protein family 1.2 The CsoS4 family 2 Types of microcompartment 2.1 Carboxysomes 2.2 Pdu microcompartments 2.3 Eut microcompartments

[edit] Protein families forming the microcompartment shell

All microcompartments are composed of members of two protein families: the BMC domain protein family and the inconsistently named CsoS4 / CcmL / EutN / OrfAB family.

[edit] The BMC protein family

The crystal structures of a number of BMC domain proteins have been determined and invariably reveal assembly into cyclical hexamers with a small pore in the center.

[edit] The CsoS4 family

Recent structures have revealed either a pentameric or hexameric structure in this family. In icosahedral or quasi-icosahedral carboxysomes, it is likely that the pentameric form is positioned at the vertices^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Types of microcompartment

A recent survey indicated seven different metabolic systems encapsulated by microcompartment shells^{[citation needed]}. Three are characterized:

[edit] Carboxysomes

Carboxysomes encapsulate RuBisCo and carbonic anhydrase in carbon-fixing bacteria as part of a carbon concentrating mechanism.

[edit] Pdu microcompartments

Some bacteria can used 1,2-propanediol as a carbon source. They express a microcompartment to encapsulate a number of enzymes used in this pathway.

[edit] Eut microcompartments