Question

How does microbial arbitrated removal of alkyl group from nitrogen atom takes place?

(a) Hydroxy-methyl intermediates

(b) Intercellular ligands

(c) Extracellular ligands

(d) Integral proteins

This question was posed to me during an internship interview.

My enquiry is from Microbial Transformations of Pesticides in section Microbial Transformations of Pesticides of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Hydroxy-methyl intermediates

Easiest explanation: The reaction is often catalyzed by various oxidases; hydroxy-methyl intermediates are usually used for removal of alkyl group from nitrogen atom that is often arbitrated by microorganisms. Extracellular ligands, Integral proteins or Intercellular ligands doesn’t help in removal of alkyl group from nitrogen atom.