Complete Genome of Isoprene Degrading sp. WS12.

Isoprene is a climate-active gas whose wide-spread global production stems mostly from terrestrial plant emissions. The biodegradation of isoprene is carried out by a number of different bacteria from a wide range of environments. This study investigates the genome of a novel isoprene degrading bacterium sp. WS12, isolated from soil associated with (Willow), a tree known to produce high amounts of isoprene. The sp. WS12 genome was fully sequenced, revealing the presence of a complete isoprene monooxygenase gene cluster, along with associated isoprene degradation pathway genes. Genes associated with rubber degradation were also present, suggesting that sp. WS12 may also have the capacity to degrade poly-cis-1,4-isoprene.