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Aromatic compounds are a structurally diverse group of organic molecules that are found in the environment both naturally as components of lignin-containing plant matter and through anthropogenic activity, such as such as crude oil extraction. Key chemical properties of aromatic compounds are their structural stability and hydrophobicity resulting in recalcitrance to degradation. Aromatic compounds exist along a spectrum of structural complexity: beginning with monocyclic compounds and increasing in complexity via additional substituents and/or aromatic rings (polyaromatic). While some of these compounds can be helpful to plant defense systems, other aromatic compounds, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are toxic to humans and other organisms, and thus require attention.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Degradation
What do we know?
PAHs are toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic environmental pollutants
16 PAHs have been classified as Primary Pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Previous studies have demonstrated Roseobacters can co-metabolically transform PAHs when provided a more labile carbon source
Aromatic Compounds and The Cellular Membrane
What do we know?
Aromatic compounds are often simultaneously perceived as potential carbon sources and membrane-damaging toxins
Aromatic compounds are capable of integrating and accumulating within cell membranes, thus resulting in ion-gradient collapse, membrane disintegration, and cell death
What questions do we have?
By what mechanism(s) do Roseobacters transform PAHs?
Diverse marine bacteria have PAH degradation capabilities with PAH co-metabolism appearing to be wide spread amongst strains
Roseobacteraceae family members and other marine strains appear to degrade PAHs via co-metabolism
Roseobacteraceae family members likely have novel pathways for PAH degradation due to the lack of PAH degradation genetic biomarkers
R. pomeroyi DSS-3 has a catabolic region and a quorum sensing system that is likely involved in PAH degradation
How do the lipid profiles of Roseobacter cell membranes change in response to aromatic compound induced stress?
Prior research suggests the lipid profiles of microbes change in response growth substrates and environmental perturbations
Utilizing various aromatic compounds at differing concentrations, we hope to see changes in Roseobacter behavior
Utilize various methods, such as GC-MS, to observe, identify, and quantify lipid profile after cells are grown in aromatic compounds
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