Ethylbenzene degradation involves a sequence of enzymatic activities that allow bacteria to use ethylbenzene as both a carbon and energy source. Due to its hydrophobic nature, ethylbenzene can enter bacterial cells via passive diffusion across the cell membrane. Once inside, the enzyme ethylbenzene dehydrogenase activates ethylbenzene, converting it to (S)-1-phenylethanol, which is then transformed to acetophenone by (S)-1-phenylethanol dehydrogenase. Acetophenone is further converted to Benzoylacetyl-CoA, which enters the benzoate degradation route, where energy is generated and different compounds, including folate, are synthesised.

Ethylbenzene degradation References