Pathways for extracellular Fenton chemistry in the brown rot basidiomycete Gloeophyllum trabeum

Both 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and 4,5-dimethoxy-1,2-benzoquinone participate in the extracellular hydroquinone-quinone redox cycle in Gloeophyllum trabeum that reduces Fe(super 3+) and generates hydrogen peroxide. The hydroxyl radical is believed to be one of the oxidants that brown rot fungi use to degrade wood polymers.