Toluene degradation allows bacteria to use toluene, a common environmental pollutant, as both a carbon and energy source. Toluene enters the bacterial cell by passive diffusion due to its hydrophobic nature. Once within the cell, toluene undergoes a variety of enzymatic reactions. The first step is for the Gamma-Subunit of benzylsuccinate synthase to convert it into benzylsuccinate. This intermediate is then converted to Benzylsuccinyl-CoA by subunit of Benzylsuccinate CoA-transferases. Subsequently, Benzylsuccinyl-CoA undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions to form Benzoylsuccinyl-CoA, and finally benzoyl-CoA, which enters the benzoate degradation pathway, providing the bacteria with energy and carbon for growth and survival.

Toluene degradation References