The physiological genetics of denitrifying bacteria.

The genetics of denitrification is a relatively unexplored area that has great promise. Species of Pseudomonas are probably best suited for study because they are widely found among natural denitrifying populations and are quite readily amenable to genetic analysis. The techniques for mutagenesis and for the exchange of chromosomal genes to characterize mutant strains have been well-developed in P. aeruginosa and are being developed in P. stutzeri. Mutants defective in the denitrification of nitrate, nitrite, and nitrous oxide are now available and will aid in describing the catalytic and regulatory elements of the denitrification pathway.