In addition, the metabolism of phenanthrene by Streptomyces flavovirens and the marine cyanobacterium Agmenellum quadruplicatum PR-6 is more similar to that reported in mammalian and fungal enzyme systems than those catalyzed by bacteria. The metabolic formation of 1-methoxyphenanthrene from phenanthrene was first reported in Synechococcus sp. This organism may detoxify other 1-phenanthrols. The metabolic fate of 1-methoxyphenanthrene in Synechococcus sp . PR-6 remains to be elucidated.
Fungi also can metabolize phenanthrene by utilizing monooxygenases and epoxide hydrolases.
The following is a text-format Phenanthrene pathway map. Organisms which can initiate the pathway are given, but other organisms may also carry out later steps. Follow the links for more information on compounds or reactions. All rights reserved.