Atropine metabolism by Pseudomonas sp. strain AT3: evidence for nortropine as an intermediate in tropine breakdown and reactions leading to succinate

Pseudomonas sp. strain AT3 hydrolyzes atropine to form nortropine, and then 6-hydroxycyclohepta-1,4-dione. The beta-diketone 4,6-dioxoheptanoate cleavage point produces either succinate and acetone or 4-oxopentanoate and acetate. Nitrogen elimination produces 6-hydroxycyclohepta-1,4-dione. The oxidation of 6-hydroxycyclohepta-1,4-dione by NAD+ -specific dehydrogenase produces cyclohepta-1,3,5-trione. The AT3 strain fails to grow with acetone and the compound evaporates into the atmosphere.