Dl. Daubaras et al., BIODEGRADATION OF 2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID BY BURKHOLDERIA-CEPACIA STRAIN AC1100 - EVOLUTIONARY INSIGHT, Gene, 179(1), 1996, pp. 1-8
Many microorganisms in nature have evolved new genes which encode cata
bolic enzymes specific for chlorinated aromatic substrates, allowing t
hem to utilize these compounds as sole sources of carbon and energy. A
n understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the acquisi
tion of such genes may facilitate the development of microorganisms wi
th enhanced capabilities of degrading highly chlorinated recalcitrant
compounds. A number of studies have been based on microorganisms isola
ted from the environment which utilize simple chlorinated substrates.
In our laboratory, a selective technique was used to isolate microorga
nisms capable of degrading highly chlorinated compounds, such as 2,4,5
-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), as sole sources of carbon and
energy. This article summarizes the genetic and biochemical informatio
n obtained regarding the pathway of degradation, the mechanism of recr
uitment of new genes, and the organization of the degradative genes. I
n addition, we discuss the potential practical application of such mic
roorganisms in the environment.