The enzyme contains molybdopterin-guanine dinucleotides, five [4Fe-4S] clusters and two heme b groups. Formate dehydrogenase-N oxidizes formate in the periplasm, transferring electrons via the menaquinone pool in the cytoplasmic membrane to a dissimilatory nitrate reductase (EC 1.7.5.1), which transfers electrons to nitrate in the cytoplasm. The system generates proton motive force under anaerobic conditions [3].
