Improved procedure and colorimetric test for the detection of ortho- and meta-cleavage of protocatechuate by <i>Pseudomonas isolates</i>

Abstract

A sensitive and clear-cut method for the demonstration of ortho- and meta-cleavage of protocatechuate is described. Pseudomonas strains to be tested for the mode of ring fission should be grown on a synthetic medium containing p-hydroxybenzoate, quinate, or glucose–yeast extract as sole carbon source. Suspensions of these organisms are tested for ring-fission mechanism to detect the constitutive or inducible nature of protocatechuate 3,4-oxygenase.