Benzoate, an environmental pollutant, is utilized by bacteria such as Aromatoleum aromaticum to yield energy and carbon. While the precise transport mechanisms remain under research, it is proposed that benzoate is transported across the cell membrane passively or actively via transport proteins such as permeases and porins. Benzoate is then converted to benzoyl-CoA by benzoate-CoA ligase. Benzoyl-CoA then undergoes further degradation, catalyzed by enzymes like benzoyl-CoA reductase, leading to the formation of intermediate cyclohexane compounds which are ultimately converted into central metabolites that can enter the citrate cycle for further energy generation

Benzoate degradation I References