Molecular Biology of Anaerobic Aromatic Biodegradation.
Abstract
Bacterial genes and enzymes encoding the biochemical pathways of anaerobic benzoate and 4-hydroxybenzoate degradation were identified and characterized. These pathways are Important because their operation is essential for the complete degradation of many toxic compounds of environmental concern. Also, several of the enzymes of the pathways catalyze novel reactions that may be representative of general biochemical strategies for anaerobic attack on benzene rings. We sequenced a cluster of twenty-four genes from the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris. These include twelve genes likely to be involved in anaerobic benwate degradation and additional genes that convert the related compound 4-hydroxybenwate to benzoyl-coenzyme A. Physiological data and DNA sequence analyses indicate that the benzoate pathway consists of unusual enzymes for ring reduction and ring cleavage interposed among enzymes homologous to those catalyzing fatty acid degradation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA357975
Entities
People
- Caroline S. Harwood
Organizations
- University of Iowa