The degradation of p-toluenesulfonate by a Pseudomonas

Abstract

A Pseudomonas isolated from sewage was adapted to use p-toluenesulfonate as the sole source of both carbon and sulfur. Very few of over 30 aromatic compounds tested were used for growth as sole carbon sources. Significantly, sulfobenzoate, phenolsulfonates, and isomers of cresolsulfonates did not support growth. Respirometry studies with washed, resting cells showed similar results. In both studies, benzenesulfonate was always used more rapidly than p-toluenesulfonate. The degradation of p-toluenesulfonate was shown to be over 90% of the theoretical value required for complete mineralization to carbon dioxide, water, and sulfate. When resting cells were incubated with 35S-p-toluenesulfonate, the ratio of oxygen uptake to 35S-sulfate liberation remained constant during the complete degradation period. Radiochromatographic analysis showed no 35S-aromatic intermediates in resting-cell supernatants at any time. Resting cells previously incubated with 35S-p-toluenesulfonate liberated two 35S-labeled aromatic intermediates upon disruption. Resting cells incubated with 1-14C-p-toluenesulfonate produced labeled 3-methylcatechol, labeled acetate, and unlabeled pyruvate. The labeled intermediate, 3-methylcatechol, was degraded by cell-free extracts to labeled acetate. Hydroxylation, desulfonation, ring cleavage, and subsequent fissions of the carbon chain occurred in that order; all steps but the first were catalyzed by cell-free extracts.