Mark R. Smith, C. Ratledge
Nov 1, 1989
Citations
0
Influential Citations
19
Citations
Journal
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Abstract
SummaryPseudomonas sp. NCIB 10643 grew on a range of n-alkylbenzenes (C2-C7) and on several branched species within this chain size (isopropylbenzene, isobutylbenzene, sec-butylbenzene, tert-butylbenzene and tert-amylbenzene). All of the alkylbenzenes were catabolized via ring attack, rather than side-chain attack, proceeding via initial dioxygenase activity resulting in the corresponding 2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxyalkylbenzene, which underwent reduction to the corresponding 2,3-dihydroxyl-intermediate (3-alkyl-substituted catechols). The 3-substituted catechols were ring-cleaved by an extra-diol type enzyme between C1 and C2 resulting in characteristic meta ring-fission products. Further catabolism was by hydrolytic attack to give alkyl-chain dependent carboxylic acids and, presumably, 2-oxopenta-4-enoate. Details of the intermediates and enzymes involved in alkylbenzene catabolism are given. This is the most versatile aromatic, ring-cleaving, alkylbenzene-utilizing bacterium thus far reported.