Evolution and Comparative Genomics of the pSM22 Plasmid of the IncF/MOBF12 Group

Molecular Biology - A new plasmid, pSM22, was isolated from Serratia marcescens and sequenced. Its 43 190-bp sequence with an average GC-content of 58% contains 31 open reading frames (ORFs) which...     

Use of the Phenol-Degrading <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas aeruginosa</Emphasis> Strain 21SG for Industrial Wastewater Decontamination

The features of a phenol-degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 21SG isolated from the soil at the territory of Russia’s largest manufacturing facility for synthetic tanning agents (city of Ufa, Bashkortostan Republic) are reported. The strain identification was based on cultural, morphological, physiological, biochemical, and morphometric features and on the results of comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. The growth of P. aeruginosa 21SG was assessed in batch culture, and a decrease of phenol content in the culture liquid by 84% of the control level after 4 days was observed. The possibility of using P. aeruginosa 21SG for the destruction of phenol present in wastewater from the petrochemical industry and tanning extract production facilities was detected.     

Bacterial Genes of Non-Heme Iron Oxygenases,Which Have a Rieske-Type Cluster,Catalyzing Initial Stages of Degradation of Chlorophenoxyacetic Acids

Hydroxylation of the benzoic ring by non-heme iron oxygenases having a Rieske-type cluster is the key step in the aerobic degradation of chloroaromatic compounds by bacteria. Rieske oxygenases (RO) catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation reaction unique to the enzymes of this family with the formation of corresponding phenolic compounds. This review discusses the general structure, function, and classification of ROs that catalyze the oxidation of chlorophenoxyacetic acids; genes encoding the ROs with their phylogenetic classes are also reviewed.     

Plasmids of the Chlorophenoxyacetic-Acid Degradation of Bacteria of the Genus Raoultella

Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology - Members of the Raoultella planticola species isolated from soils contaminated with chemical waste were able to use...     

Possibility of Using Phenol- and 2,4-Dichlorophenol-Degrading Strain, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodococcus erythropolis</Emphasis> 17S,for Treatment of Industrial Wastewater

A new phenol- and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP)-degrading strain Rhodococcus erythropolis 17S isolated from the soil contaminated with phenol and its derivatives for a long time was characterized. The strain was identified based on phenotypic, physiological, and biochemical features as well as on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The growth of R. erythropolis 17S in batch culture using phenol and 2,4-DCP as sources of carbon and energy has been studied. The concentration of phenol and 2,4-DCP in culture medium decreased by 55% (on the fourth day) and 47% (on the 22nd day) in comparison to the control, respectively. It is concluded that R. erythropolis 17S can be used for phenol removal from industrial wastewaters of petrochemical and tanning extract production plants.     

Characterization of Novel Chitin-degrading laceyella spp. Strains from New Athos Cave (Abkhazia) Producing Thermostable Chitinases

Microbiology - Nine chitin-degrading isolates of moderately thermophilic bacteria with temperature optimum for growth and chitin destruction at 50–55°C were isolated from soils of the...