Transformation of p-nitrochlorobenzene by Escherichia coli
Gvozdiak, P.I.; Mogilevich, N.I.; Tashirev, A.B.
Mikrobiologiia 52(1): 22-26
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-3656 PMID: 6341785 Document Number: 199599
Microorganisms that have not been adapted to p-nitrochlorobenzene (p-NCB) are capable of transforming this compound. Washed cell of Escherichia coli, the resting culture and the homogenate of disintegrated cells transform p-NCB into p-chloroaniline (p-CA). The growing culture of E. coli (Eh = -210 mV) reduces the nitro group of p-NCB. If E. coli cells are separated from the cultural broth under strictly anaerobic conditions, the redox potential rises abruptly (Eh = -110 mV); the filtrate does not transform p-NCB into p-Ca. The rate at which E. coli reduces the nitro group of p-NCB depends on the redox potential of the medium. It is likely that any microorganism is capable of reducing p-NCB at a low value of the redox potential.