Cloning and characterization of lin genes responsible for the degradation of Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers by Sphingomonas paucimobilis strain B90.

ABSTRACT: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) has been used extensively against agricultural pests and in public health programs for the control of mosquitoes. Commercial formulations of HCH consist of a mixture of four isomers, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. While all these isomers pose serious environmental problems, beta-HCH is more problematic due to its longer persistence in the environment. We have studied the degradation of HCH isomers by Sphingomonas paucimobilis strain B90 and characterized the lin genes encoding enzymes from strain B90 responsible for the degradation of HCH isomers. Two nonidentical copies of the linA gene encoding HCH dehydrochlorinase, which were designated linA1 and linA2, were found in S. paucimobilis B90. The linA1 and linA2 genes could be expressed in Escherichia coli, leadi

SUBMITTER: Kumari R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC134425 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature