| Abstrakt: |
Many bacteria can couple the metabolism of toxic hydrocarbon molecules to the reduction of soluble anions such as nitrate or perchlorate, or metals such as Fe(III) or Mn(IV). The study of this group of organisms has revealed interesting mechanisms for activating hydrocarbons without using dioxygen, such as fumarate addition or oxygen-independent hydroxylation, that are now known to be widespread in nature. The capture of pure cultures of nitrate, perchlorate, or metal-respiring hydrocarbon degraders has often involved innovative approaches to enrichment and isolation, such as supplying the substrate in an inert liquid or as a vapor phase. These organisms are usually Gram-negative rod or oval shaped cells, with five genera in Betaproteobacteria (Alcaligenes, Aromatoleum, Azoarcus, Dechloromonas, and Thauera), three genera in Gammaproteobacteria (Marinobacter, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio), and one genus in Deltaproteobacteria (Geobacter). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
