Organization of metabolic pathways and molecular-genetic mechanisms of xenobiotic degradation in microorganisms: A review

Contemporary data on the mechanism of biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons and biodegradation genes (genomic organization and pathways of evolution) in diverse groups of microorganisms have been reviewed. Studies of this problem are topical, in view of the need in identification and construction of new strains degrading xenobiotics, particularly those halogenated. For this reason, emphasis is placed on specific features of explored metabolic pathways that can be used for constructing new enzymatic systems not present in nature. Sections on the mechanisms of genomic rearrangements involving biodegradation determinants are presented from the same standpoint. Part of the review is devoted to analyzing methods used for studying the population dynamics of bacterial communities involved in xenobiotic degradation in natural biotopes or industrial waste disposal plants. Particular attention is given to methods of gene systematics.