Open AccessRegulation of RNA polymerase synthesis in Escherichia coli: a mutant unable to synthesize the enzyme at 43 degrees.
Author(s) -
Max P. Oeschger,
Mary K. B. Berlyn
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.72.3.911
Subject(s) - mutant , rna polymerase , polymerase , escherichia coli , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , enzyme , mutation , dna polymerase , gene , biochemistry
We report the isolation of a mutant of E. coli in which the capacity to synthesize RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) (the beta and beta' subunits) is rapidly lost at 43 degrees. The mutation has no effect on the stability or activity of the polymerase itself. The mutation is recessive and is closely linked to the rif locus (the structural gene for the beta subunit). Using strains carrying the mutation, we have shown that polymerase is present in excess in rapidly growing E. coli cells.