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Isolation and Characterization of a Cyclohexane-Metabolizing Xanthobacter sp
M K Trower1, R M Buckland, R Higgins
1Department of Life Sciences, Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham, Celltech Ltd., Slough SL1 4DY, Berkshire, and ICI Petrochemicals and Plastics Division, Wilton, Cleveland, England.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|May 1, 1985
Summary
A novel Xanthobacter species utilizes cyclohexane as its sole energy source, demonstrating a unique metabolic pathway. This discovery offers insights into microbial hydrocarbon degradation and potential biotechnological applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Cyclohexane is a persistent environmental pollutant.
- Microbial degradation pathways for cyclic hydrocarbons are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a microorganism capable of utilizing cyclohexane as a sole carbon and energy source.
- To elucidate the metabolic pathway involved in cyclohexane degradation by this microorganism.
Main Methods:
- Classical enrichment techniques for microbial isolation.
- Growth studies on various hydrocarbons.
- Ultrastructural analysis using electron microscopy.
- Enzymatic assays on cell extracts.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a Xanthobacter sp. with a mean generation time of 6 hours on cyclohexane.
- Identification of a soluble, inducible enzyme oxidizing cyclohexane to cyclohexanol.
- Elucidation of a primary metabolic pathway: cyclohexane → cyclohexanol → cyclohexanone → ε-caprolactone → 6-hydroxyhexanoate → adipic acid.
Conclusions:
- This Xanthobacter sp. possesses a unique metabolic capability for cyclohexane degradation.
- The identified pathway provides a detailed understanding of microbial alicyclic hydrocarbon metabolism.
- The findings have implications for bioremediation strategies and industrial biocatalysis.