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Biochemistry of the bacterial catabolism of aromatic compounds in anaerobic environments

Nature volume 270, pages 17–22 (1977)Cite this article

Abstract

Methods of aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds in the biosphere are well understood, but it is only relatively recently that it has been shown how some bacteria can also degrade these substrates in the absence of molecular oxygen. This occurs by photometabolism (Athiorhodaceae), nitrate respiration (Pseudomonas and Moraxella sp.) and methanogenic fermentation (a consortium) in which the benzene nucleus is first reduced and then cleaved by hydrolysis to yield aliphatic acids for cell growth. These methods may be used by microbial communities to catabolise man-made pollutants.

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  1. Department of Biochemistry and Soil Science, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK

    W. Charles Evans

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  1. W. Charles Evans
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Evans, W. Biochemistry of the bacterial catabolism of aromatic compounds in anaerobic environments. Nature 270, 17–22 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/270017a0

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