Sequence of the alg8 and alg44 genes involved in the synthesis of alginate by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT

The alg8 and alg44 genes, which are required for alginate biosynthesis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are located in the alginate biosynthetic gene cluster between the algD and algE genes. The nucleotide sequence of these two genes is presented. Although the functions of the Alg8 and Alg44 proteins are not known, we believe that they may be involved in the polymerization of mannuronic acid residues to form alginate.