Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Microbial Biology for FY 2000

Sullivan, Elise R, Milltown NJ

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Microbial Biology for 2000. The research and training plan is in the area of Microbial Genetics and is entitled "The Use of Benzoyl-CoA Reductase Genes in the Benzoate Pathway as an Indicator of Anaerobic Bacterial Degradation of Monoaromatic Hydrocarbon Pollutants". A key feature of monoaromatic compound metabolism by anaerobic bacteria is the enzyme benzoyl-CoA reductase, a protein previously thought to be highly conserved among anaerobes. This research examines the diveristy of this important enzyme. Then, the mechanisms by which benzoate degradation takes place are being characterized 1. Via biochemical analysis and 2. Mutagenesis-to determine which genes are involved in the process. Finally, Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis is being used to determine the abundance and diversity of these genes in the environment. This study will help assess the appropriateness of reductase genes as indicators of a bacterial community's capacity for bioremediation of aromatic hydrocarbons in polluted environments.