Horizontal Gene Transfer of Genes Encoding Copper-Containing Membrane-Bound Monooxygenase (CuMMO) and Soluble Di-iron Monooxygenase (SDIMO) in Ethane- and Propane-Oxidizing Rhodococcus Bacteria

Abstract

CuMMOs and SDIMOs initiate the aerobic oxidation of alkanes in bacteria. Here, the supposition that horizontally transferred plasmid-based CuMMO and SDIMO genes confer on the recipient a similar ability to use ethane and propane was proposed and confirmed in Rhodococcus. This study is a living example of HGT of CuMMOs and SDIMOs and outlines the plasmid-borne properties responsible for gaseous alkane degradation.