Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding novel proteins, designated kd312. Also disclosed are amino acid sequences for kd312 polypeptides, methods for preparing kd312 polypeptides, and other related aspects.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are toluene monooxygenase (TMO) gene sequences from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1, TMO proteins encoded by these sequences, recombinant plasmids containing such sequences, and microorganism host cells containing such plasmids. A five-gene and six-gene TMO gene cluster encode proteins that are useful in a variety of bioconversions. In particular, the TMO gene cluster is useful fort he preparation of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and indigo. In addition, the TMO gene cluster is useful for the degradative bioconversion of toxic compounds, such as trichloroethylene.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are toluene monooxygenase (TMO) gene sequences from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1, TMO proteins encoded by these sequences, recombinant plasmids containing such sequences, and microorganism host cells containing such plasmids. A five-gene and six-gene TMO gene cluster encode proteins that are useful in a variety of bioconversions. In particular, the TMO gene cluster is useful for the preparation of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and indigo. In addition, the TMO gene cluster is useful for the degradative bioconversion of toxic compounds, such as trichloroethylene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the microbial degradation of trichlorethylene by treating trichloroethylene with Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1 or Pseudomonas putida Y2101 or a microorganism host cell that contains a recombinant plasmid. The recombinant plasmid contains toluene monooxygenase genes from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1. The microogranism host cell containing the recombinant plasmid must have been treated with an inducer of the toluene monooxygenase genes. The method may be applied to the treatment of loci of trichloroethylene chemical waste in water or soil. More particularly, the method may be applied to degrade trichloroethylene as it may be present as a pollutant or contaminant in water, in industrial effluents, in various land areas such as industrial sites, or in various laboratory or commercial installations.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are DNA gene segments, biologically functional plasmids and recombinant plasmids, and microorganism host cells containing such plasmids, all of which contain toluene monooxygenase genes from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1 and which are useful in a method for the microbial bioconversion of selected phenyl compounds to selected phenolic compounds. In particular, the method is useful for making p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid which is a valuable chemical intermediate in the preparation of certain antibiotics and certain .beta.-adrenergic blocking agents.