A new bacterial gene (groPC) which affects λ DNA replication

Abstract

A bacterial mutation affecting λ DNA replication, called groPC756, has been mapped between the thr and leu bacterial loci. Most of the parental λ DNA does not undergo even one round of replication in this host. Lambda mutants, called π, which map in the λ P gene are able to overcome the inhibitory effect of the groPC756 mutation. It is shown that the mutation at the groPC locus also interferes with bacterial growth at 42°C. A λ-transducing phage, carrying the groPC⁺ allele, was isolated as a plaqueformer on groPC756 bacteria. Upon lysogenization, it restores both the gro ⁺ and temperature resistant phenotypes.