Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 October 2004
To better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the biodegradation of hydrocarbon compounds from the “Erika” oil-spill, we have studied the ability of Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus strain sp 17 to cope with hexadecane as sole carbon and energy source. Growth kinetics of cultures shifted from acetate to hexadecane revealed the presence of a 20 hours adaptation phase. Changes in global protein expression in response to hexadecane was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Of the 370 proteins detected 42 had their expression level altered in presence of hexadecane indicating that alkane adaptation may involve many cellular functions.