alkanesulfonate degradation In the absence of sulfate, a number of yeasts can use alkanesulfonates (aliphatic sulfonates), such as taurine, cysteate, and isethionate, as alternative sulfur sources. Sulfonate utilization by Saccharomyces cerevisiae occurs only under aerobic conditions, is independent of sulfate-utilizing enzymes, and requires sulfite reductase, consistent with the formation of sulfite prior to assimilation. pathway aliphatic sulfonate degradation UPa:UPA00338 GO:0046306 PMID:10482536 organosulfur degradation