naphthalene catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of naphthalene. [GOC:TermGenie, GOC:yaf, PMID:11133965]

The naphthalene catabolic process involves the breakdown of naphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), into simpler compounds by microorganisms. This process is crucial for the bioremediation of contaminated environments and is mediated by a series of enzymatic reactions.

The first step in naphthalene degradation is the conversion of naphthalene to 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene by the enzyme naphthalene dioxygenase. This enzyme catalyzes the insertion of molecular oxygen into the aromatic ring of naphthalene, forming a cis-dihydrodiol.

Next, 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene is further oxidized by a dehydrogenase enzyme, forming 1,2-naphthoquinone.

1,2-naphthoquinone is then converted to salicylate by a series of enzymatic reactions. This process involves the opening of the aromatic ring and the formation of a carboxyl group.

Finally, salicylate is further metabolized to catechol and then to central metabolic intermediates, such as pyruvate and acetyl-CoA, through a series of enzymatic reactions.

These metabolic intermediates can then be incorporated into the central metabolism of the organism, providing energy and building blocks for growth.

Overall, the naphthalene catabolic process involves a complex series of enzymatic reactions that allow microorganisms to break down naphthalene into simpler compounds. This process plays a vital role in the bioremediation of contaminated environments.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (4)