Molecular Biology of Anaerobic Aromatic Biodegradation.
Abstract
Aromatic acids are intermediates in the biodegradation of structurally diverse aromatic compounds, including lignin monomers and environmental pollutants, by many metabolic types of anaerobic bacteria. They are also the starting compounds for central pathways of anaerobic benzene ring reduction and fission. We have identified and developed molecular tools that can be used to manipulate and clone genes for aromatic acid degradation from the bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris. These tools have enabled us to identify genes specifying two enzymes that initiate the degradation of the compounds benzoate and 4-hydroxybenzoate, and we have also cloned, sequenced, and characterized a regulatory gene required for the expression of aromatic acid degradation enzymes. Thus, the first steps towards elucidating the molecular basis for benzene ring fission in the absence of oxygen have been accomplished. Biodegradation, Biotechnology, Aromatic Compounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 14, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255658
Entities
People
- Caroline S. Harwood
Organizations
- University of Iowa