Mechanisms of degradation by white rot fungi.

White rot fungi use a variety of mechanisms to accomplish the complete degradation of lignin and a wide variety of environmental pollutants. Both oxidative and reductive reactions are required for the metabolism of both lignin and environmental pollutants. The fungi secrete a family of peroxidases to catalyze both direct and indirect oxidation of chemicals. The peroxidases can also catalyze reductions using electron donors to generate reductive radicals. A cell-surface membrane potential can also be used to reduce chemicals such as TNT.