Novel nirK Cluster Genes in Nitrosomonas europaea Are Required for NirK-Dependent Tolerance to Nitrite

Abstract
Nitrite reductase (NirK) of Nitrosomonas europaea confers tolerance to nitrite (NO 2 ). The nirK gene is clustered with three genes of unknown physiological function: ncgABC . At present, this organization is unique to nitrifying bacteria. Here we report that the ncgABC gene products facilitate NirK-dependent NO 2 tolerance by reversing the negative physiological effect that is associated with the activity of NirK in their absence. We hypothesize that the ncg gene products are involved in the detoxification of nitric oxide that is produced by NirK.

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