FIG 3.

Relative transcript levels of key genes encoding initial steps in the degradation of aromatic compounds by Cupriavidus pinatubonensis JMP134. Fructose-grown cells (OD₆₀₀ = 0.7) were exposed to each single compound (5 mM Bz, 3-Hb, 4-Hb, 4-Hpa, Pac, or Tyr and 2 mM phenol or 2,4-D) of the binary mixture and to the corresponding binary mixture (same individual concentrations) for 1 h. Values (from three biological and two technical replicates) are averages and standard errors, normalized with respect to the rps7 housekeeping reference gene. Values from inductions with benzoate were negligible and are not shown for clarity. No aromatic compounds were added in controls. Note that different scales are used. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences between values (one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] and Tukey's HSD test; P < 0.05).