Role of Readily Degraded Substrates

Results from experiments on biodegradation in which readily degraded substrates such as glucose are added have probably restricted relevance to natural ecosystems in which such substrates exist in negligible concentration. However, readily degraded substrates in addition to those less readily degradable undoubtedly occur in biological-waste-treatment systems. In these circumstances, at least three broadly different metabolic situations may exist  

The presence of glucose may suppress degradation of a recalcitrant compound  

The presence of glucose may, however, enhance the degradation of a recalcitrant compound. Several different metabolic situations may be discerned, each probably representing a different mechanism for the stimulation  

FIGURE 4.6 Biotransformation of 4,5,6-trichloroguaiacol by Rhodococcus sp. during growth with vanillate. 

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