Metabolism of n-alkanes and n-alkenes by anaerobic bacteria: A summary

Current knowledge of the pathways for the degradation of n-alkanes and n-alkenes by anaerobic bacteria is summarized and new results questioning the existence of an alternative pathway for anaerobic alkane degradation are introduced. Remaining gaps in our knowledge are also mentioned, together with the possible use of some specific metabolites as biomarkers of anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation.