The following is a graphical representation of the the biodegredation pathway resulting in the formation of formaldehyde, on the previous page.

 

The mechanism for the transformation of methylamine to formaldehyde involves the formation of various imines which are eventually hydrolysed leading to the formation of the formaldehyde product. The formaldeyde is then metabolised via the C₁ metabolic cycle , which in turn leads to the production of carbon dioxide which is released into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide is then fixed by plants in photosynthesis and so the cycle continues (ie. the 'carbon cycle').

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