title: Plasmid-assisted molecular breeding: new technique for enhanced biodegradation of persistent toxic chemicals.
abstract: The persistence of synthetic herbicides such as 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) and its release in massive amounts as a herbicide (Agent Orange) have created toxicological problems in many countries. In nature, 2,4,5-T is slowly degraded by cooxidation and is not utilized as a sole source of carbon and energy. The technique of plasmid-assisted molecular breeding has led to the development of bacterial strains capable of totally degrading 2,4,5-T by using it as their sole source of carbon at high concentrations (greater than 1 mg/ml). Spectrophotometry and gas chromatography reveal various intermediates during growth of the culture with 2,4,5-T.
mesh_terms: D015085:2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D001711:Biotransformation; D002455:Cell Division; D007700:Kinetics; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010957:Plasmids
chemical_list: D015085:2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid