Reductive transformation of parathion and methyl parathion by Bacillus sp.
Based on the results of phenotypic features, phylogenetic similarity of 16S rRNA gene sequences and BIOLOG test, a soil bacterium was identified as Bacillus sp. DM-1. Using either growing cells or a cell-free extract, it transformed parathion and methyl parathion to amino derivatives by reducing the nitro group. Pesticide transformation by a cell-free extract was specifically inhibited by three nitroreductase inhibitors, indicating the presence of nitroreductase activity. The nitroreductase activity was NAD(P)H-dependent, O(2)-insensitive, and exhibited the substrate specificity for parathion and methyl parathion. Reductive transformation significantly decreased the toxicity of pesticides.
Yang
Chao
C
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.
Dong
Ming
M
Yuan
Yulan
Y
Huang
Yao
Y
Guo
Xinmin
X
Qiao
Chuanling
C
D001407:Bacillus / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D008743:Methyl Parathion / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010278:Parathion / Q000378:metabolism*
D008743:Methyl Parathion; D010278:Parathion