Genetic Features and Regulation of n-Alkane Metabolism in Bacteria

Abstract

Expression of the bacterial genes involved in the assimilation of alkanes is usually tightly regulated. Regulators responding to the presence of alkanes ensure that the alkane-degradation genes are induced only when these hydrocarbons are available to the cell. In microorganisms containing several sets of alkane degradation genes (each dealing with a particular kind of alkane), these regulators ensure their differential induction. In addition, the expression of alkane degradation pathways is commonly down-modulated via complex global regulation control systems that ensure that the corresponding genes are expressed only under appropriate physiological conditions or when no other preferred compound is available. Examples illustrating these specific and global regulation processes are presented.