Chromosomal location and function of genes affecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa nitrate assimilation

Seven known genes control Pseudomonas aeruginosa nitrate assimilation. Three of the genes, designated nas, are required for the synthesis of assimilatory nitrate reductase: nasC encodes a structural component of the enzyme; nasA and nasB encode products that participate in the biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor of the enzyme. A fourth gene (nis) is required for the synthesis of assimilatory nitrite reductase. The remaining three genes (ntmA, ntmB, and ntmC) control the assimilation of a number of nitrogen sources. The nas genes and two ntm genes have been located on the chromosome and are well separated from the known nar genes which encode synthesis of dissimilatory nitrate reductase. Our data support the previous conclusion that P. aeruginosa has two distinct nitrate reductase systems, one for the assimilation of nitrate and one for its dissimilation.