Degradation of phosphonates by streptomycete isolates

Wild-type Streptomyces sp. strains, able to utilise both naturally occurrin g and synthetic organophosphonates, were isolated. High levels of inorganic phosphate were necessary for their growth in complete medium as well as in medium, supplemented with phosphonates as the sole carbon or nitrogen sour ce. Isolate StA expressed detectable enzymatic activity against 2-aminoethy lphosphonate in vivo. Streptomycete StC had a surprising ability to degrade N-phosphonomethylglycine (glyphosate) in a phosphate-independent manner vi a C-P bond cleavage accompanied by sarcosine formation.