Evidence for two distinct phosphonate-degrading enzymes (C-P lyases) in Arthrobacter sp. GLP-1

Arthrobacter sp. GLP-1 can utilize a wide range of organophosphonates as its sole source of phosphorus. The in-situ formation of sarcosine and methane from glyphosate and methanephosphonic acid respectively was studied. These two processes are differentially induced during phosphorus-deprivation. Methanephosphonic acid strongly inhibits glyphosate degradation (I50 10 microM), but glyphosate has very little effect on methane generation (I50 150 mM). The pattern of inhibition by other organophosphonates and organophosphonate analogues is also very different for the two systems. Degradation of glyphosate and methanephosphonic acid therefore represent distinct processes.