Genetics of the mandelate pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The linkage of genes governing synthesis of enzymes functional in the conversion of l(+)-mandelate to benzoate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied. These genes were found to be linked in a fashion consistent with regulatory mechanisms known to govern synthesis of this inducible pathway. Surprisingly, linkage was also observed between the mandelate genes and those governing the synthesis of functionally related enzymes that participate in the catabolism of anthranilate and benzoate. These latter genes are grouped in at least three regulatory units. Some theoretical explanations for high intensity of linkage among functionally related genes whose expression is not induced by a common metabolite are discussed.