Genetic control of the beta-ketoadipate pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The regulation and genetic control of the beta-ketoadipate pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. The pattern of enzyme induction is apparently the same as in P. putida. Mutants were obtained for all but 1 of the 11 structural genes; the proximity of these genes on the chromosome was examined by transduction of the mutants with phage F116. If a group of enzymes was induced by the same compounds, the corresponding genes were closely clustered. Surprisingly, some locispecifying enzymes not sharing a common inducer were also clustered. It is suggested that this latter finding may indicate a degree of chromosomal specialization.