Hybrid Structures of Malic Enzymes from Rhizobium meliloti

C4 dicarboxylic acids such as succinate and malate are believed to be the major carbon sources utilized by Rhizobium species during the symbiotic association with their plant hosts. These carbon sources are oxidized via the TCA cycle to produce the necessary ATP and reducing power for conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. Since oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA are essential for the formation of citrate to maintain the TCA cycle, a method …