THE DEGRADATION OF AROMATIC COMPOUNDS BY ARTHROBACTER SPECIES

Abstract

Some yellow and red pigmented species of Arthrobacter have been shown to possess the ability to attack several of the 41 aromatic compounds. The capacity of the red pigmented species to grow in catechol bas been demonstrated. From growth experiments and manometric studies, of cells harvested from glucose. phenol, hippuric acid, benzoic acid, nl- and p- hydroxy benzoic acid, and catechol media it has been shown that Arthrobacter species bring about the oxidation of benzoic acid via m- and/or p- hydroxybenzoic acids, protocatechuic and/or gentisic acids to catechol and to pyruvic acid.