[Utilization of 3-chlorobenzoic acid by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus]

A strain of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus assimilating 3-chlorobenzoic acid (3-CBA) as a sole source of carbon and energy was isolated from soil near Moscow. When 3-CBA is utilized, 2-chloro-cis, cis-muconic acid is accumulated in the medium. The liberation of chlorine atoms is 50--60% of the theoretically possible value. The oxidation of 3-CBA yields 3-chloropyrocatechol (3-CPC) and 4-chloropyrocatechol (4-CPC). 4-CPC serves as a source of nutrition for A. calcoaceticus. The oxidation of 3-CPC yields 2-chloro-cis, cis-muconic acid which is accumulated in the cultural broth without further utilization. The enzyme system of 3-CBA is inducible.