Seven strains of aerobic methylotrophic bacteria utilizing methyl chlo
ride (CH3Cl) as a source of carbon and energy were isolated. Based on
their pheno- and genotypic characteristics, the isolates were identifi
ed as Hyphomicrobium spp. (strains CM1, CM2, CM29, and CM35) and Methy
lobacterium extorquens (strains CM4, CM30, and CM34). They possess an
inducible and so far unknown enzyme catalyzing the conversion of methy
l chloride to HCI and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is oxidized via forma
te to CO2 or is assimilated via the serine pathway (icl(+) or icl(-) v
ariant, respectively).