The utilization of C[sub]14-C[sub]16 n-alkanes by microorganisms

Abstract

Microorganisms capable of growth using n-alkanes as sole carbon and energy source were isolated from the environment. Subsequently selected organisms from those isolated were subjected to morphological and biochemical surveys that involved electron microscopy and assays of enzymes concerned with n-alkane degradation and assimilation. The alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases associated with the growth of a pseudomonad on n-alkanes were partially purified and shown to be NAD(P) independent. Genetic manipulations were attempted to produce mutants of a coryneform bacterium, by chemical and U .V. mutagenesis, that were blocked at specific points in the n-alkane degradation pathway which were shown to be chromosomally borne. Appropriate selection procedures were devised and mutations identified by product accumulation by whole cells. Evidence is also presented for the presence of a large plasmid that may carry genes for n-alkane assimilation in a pseudomonad under investigation