NUCLEIC ACID MOLECULES

摘要

Provided is a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, the corresponding protein sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO :2, and variants and functional fragments thereof. Corresponding chimeric ge nes, vectors and microorganisms are also provided. The protein has a role in the degradation of long-chain n-alkanes and can be used to modify the prope rties of long-chain n- alkane containing substrates. Methods of using the pr otein of the invention, e.g. to cause degradation of long-chain n-alkanes ar e also provided, as are methods of identifying enzymes that are required for the metabolism of a substrate.