Anaerobic toluene activation by benzylsuccinate synthase in a highly enriched methanogenic culture

Permeabilized cells of a highly enriched, toluene-mineralizing, methanogeni c culture catalyzed the addition of toluene to fumarate to form benzylsucci nate under anaerobic conditions. The specific in vitro rate of benzylsuccin ate formation was >85% of the specific in vivo rate of toluene consumption, This is the first report of benzylsuccinate synthase activity in a methano genic culture; the activity has previously been reported to occur in denitr ifying, sulfate-reducing, and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria.