Multiple functions of corrinoids in prokaryote biology

Data on the more than 30 metabolic processes and biochemical reactions involving corrinoids that have been described in prokaryotes thus far are reviewed. These pathways (central or special, catabolic or anabolic) are inherent in bacteria and archebacteria of diverse phylogenetic lineage, comprising several physiological groups. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of corrinoid-dependent transmethylation in acetogenesis and methanogenesis and on the contribution of adenosylcobalamin to DNA metabolism.