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Anaerobic alkane metabolism is critical in multiple environmental and industrial sectors, including environmental remediation, energy production, refined fuel stability, and biocorrosion. Here, we report the complete gap-closed genome sequence for a model n-alkane-degrading anaerobe, Desulfoglaeba alkanexedens ALDC.

The degradation of water-immiscible substrates has been intensively studied over the last two decades. Many reports have sought answers to questions of how microorganisms adapt to enable them to metabolize such strongly hydrophobic substrates as n-alkanes. Enzymes involved in the respective metabolisms, their encoding and aspects of their regulation, as well as morphological alterations caused by alkane substrate, are well documented and are discussed in Chapter 1. This interest on alkane metabolism originates partly from commercial applications (Buhler and Schindler 1984; Ratledge 1988). Additionally, increasing environmental pollution by petroleum, its composites or oily derivatives are a new challenge to maintain the environment by biological means. The slow degradation of petroleum composites originates in their chemically inert structure, hydrophobicity and partial toxicity and thereof, special complex mechanisms of cell adaptations have been demanded.

Alkanes associated with the mycelia of the fungiLagenidium giganteum andL. callinectes were analyzed. Careful studies showed that these substances were contaminats derived from glass ware, media and solvents. No alkane biosynthesis or transformation was detected, indicating little or no alkane metabolism. The importance of using clean techniques, high-purity solvents and proper media controls was emphasized.