*X-rays have revealed how a soil bacterium carries out a surprising chemical reaction that could someday be harnessed for the sustainable production of fuels and other chemicals.*

The bacterium, called *Pseudomonas putida*, is found in soil all over the world. It is known for its ability to break down a wide variety of organic compounds, including pollutants such as oil spills and pesticides.

In a new study, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, used X-rays to study how *P. putida* breaks down a compound called benzoate. Benzoate is a common pollutant that is found in gasoline and other petroleum products.

The researchers found that *P. putida* uses a unique enzyme to break down benzoate. The enzyme, called benzoate dioxygenase, converts benzoate into a molecule called catechol. Catechol is then broken down into other compounds, including acetyl-CoA, which can be used as a building block for the synthesis of fuels and other chemicals.

The researchers say that their findings could help scientists to design new enzymes that can be used to break down other pollutants. They also say that the findings could lead to the development of new biofuels and other chemicals.

"Our study provides a detailed understanding of how *P. putida* breaks down benzoate," said study lead author Dr. Robert Hausinger. "This information could help us to design new enzymes that can be used to break down other pollutants. It could also lead to the development of new biofuels and other chemicals."

The study was published in the journal *Nature Chemical Biology*.