Dissimilation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by Azotobacter chroococcum

Abstract

1. A strain of Azotobacter chroococcum which could use 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as sole carbon source was isolated.

2. The strain metabolized 2,4-D via p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, p-chlorophenol and 4-chlorocatechol; the last metabolite was cleaved by catechol 1,2-dioxygenase.

3. The enzyme exhibited broad substrate specificity.