MICROBIAL METABOLISM OF AROMATIC COMPOUNDS.

Abstract

Next to glucosyl residues, the benzene ring is the most widely distributed unit of chemical structure in the biosphere, and to a large extent the continuous operation of the carbon cycle depends upon its rapid fission by microorganisms. Anaerobic and aerobic fission of the benzene nucleus, the preparation of the nucleus for aerobic fission and reactions which follow ring fission are first outlined. Pathways of degradation are then examined. They include: meta fission pathways, degradation of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic, homoprotocatechnic, homogentisic and gentisic acids, ortho fission pathways, and other pathways. Microbial degradation of aromatic industrial pollutants and pesticides is briefly considered, mainly relating biodegradation to the principles of aromatic catabolism.