Physiology of aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms.

This paper reviews aspects of the physiology and biochemistry of the microbial biodegradation of alkanes larger than methane, alkenes and alkynes with particular emphasis upon recent developments. Subject areas discussed include: substrate uptake; metabolic pathways for alkenes and straight and branched-chain alkanes; the genetics and regulation of pathways; co-oxidation of aliphatic hydrocarbons; the potential for anaerobic aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation; the potential deployment of aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in biotechnology.