Methods and microorganisms for the fermentation of methane to multi-carbon compounds

A genetically modified microorganism capable of converting a C1 carbon to a multicarbon product, the microorganism comprising:

• (a) a gene encoding an acetolactate synthase comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:
• 2;
• (b) a gene encoding a ketol-acid reductoisomerase comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:
• 4;
• (c) a gene encoding a dihydroxy-acid dehydratase comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:
• 8;
• and (d) a gene encoding a 2-keto acid decarboxylase comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:
• 12;
• wherein at least one of the gene(s) is under the control of a rare earth metal switch.