title: Mechanisms of degradation by white rot fungi.
abstract: White rot fungi use a variety of mechanisms to accomplish the complete degradation of lignin and a wide variety of environmental pollutants. Both oxidative and reductive reactions are required for the metabolism of both lignin and environmental pollutants. The fungi secrete a family of peroxidases to catalyze both direct and indirect oxidation of chemicals. The peroxidases can also catalyze reductions using electron donors to generate reductive radicals. A cell-surface membrane potential can also be used to reduce chemicals such as TNT.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Center, Utah State University, Logan 84322-4705, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Aust
mesh_terms: D001487:Basidiomycota / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002384:Catalysis; D008031:Lignin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010544:Peroxidases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008031:Lignin; D010544:Peroxidases