The present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism for producing 1,3-propanediol, wherein a pathway converting pyruvate into 2,3-butanediol is inhibited in a microorganism having a pyruvate and acetyl CoA biosynthetic pathway. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for producing 1,3-propanediol by using the recombinant microorganism.

Genetically modified microorganisms that have the ability to convert carbon substrates into chemical products such as 2,3-BDO; 1,4-BDO; isobutyraldehyde; isobutanol; 1-butanol; n-butanol; ethanol; fatty alcohols; and fatty acid methyl ester are disclosed. For example, genetically modified methanotrophs that are capable of generating 2,3-BDO; 1,4-BDO; isobutyraldehyde; isobutanol; 1-butanol; n-butanol; ethanol; fatty alcohols; and fatty acid methyl ester at high titers from a methane source are disclosed. Methods of making these genetically modified microorganisms and methods of using them are also disclosed. These microorganisms and methods make use of molecular switches to regulate gene expression.