Héctor M. Alvarez 
Biology of Rhodococcus 

Rhodococcus, a metabolically versatile actinobacteria which is frequently found in the environment, has gained increasing interest due to its potential biotechnological applications. This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of the various aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of the Genus Rhodococcus. Following an overview of its taxonomy, chapters cover the structural aspects of rhodococcal cellular envelope, genomes and plasmids, metabolic and catabolic pathways, such as those of aromatic compounds, steroids and nitriles, and desulfurization pathways, as well as the adaption to organic solvents. Further reviews discuss applications of Rhodococcus in the bioremediation of contaminated environments, in triacylglycerol accumulation, and in phytopathogenic strategies, as well as the potential of biosurfactants. A final chapter describes the sole pathogenic Rhodococcus member, R. equi.

Table of Content

Systematics of Members of the Genus Rhodococcus (Zopf 1891) Emend Goodfellow et al. 1998.- The Rhodococcal Cell Envelope: Composition, Organisation and Biosynthesis.- Genomes and Plasmids in Rhodococcus.- Central Metabolism of Species of the Genus Rhodococcus.- Adaptation of Rhodococcus to Organic Solvents.- Catabolism of Aromatic Compounds and Steroids by Rhodococcus.- Catabolism of Nitriles in Rhodococcus.- The Desulfurization Pathway in Rhodococcus.- Application of Rhodococcus in Bioremediation of Contaminated Environments.- Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology of Triacylglycerol Accumulation by Rhodococcus.- Rhodococcus Biosurfactants: Biosynthesis, Properties, and Potential Applications.- Phytopathogenic Strategies of Rhodococcus fascians.- Rhodococcus equi and Its Pathogenic Mechanisms.