To better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the biodegradation
of hydrocarbon compounds from the “Erika” oil-spill, we have studied the
ability of Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus strain sp 17 to cope with hexadecane
as sole carbon and energy source. Growth kinetics of cultures shifted from acetate to hexadecane
revealed the presence of a 20 hours adaptation phase. Changes in global
protein expression in response to hexadecane was analyzed by two-dimensional
gel electrophoresis. Of the 370 proteins detected 42 had their expression
level altered in presence of hexadecane indicating that alkane adaptation
may involve many cellular functions.