Loss of R factors promoted by bacteriophage M13 and the M13 carrier state.

Abstract

The infection of different Hfr strains of Escherichia coli bearing derepressed R factors of the fi(+) or fi(-) type can result in the loss of the R factor and the conversion of the infected cells to the R(-) state. This extends earlier observations on the elimination of F' factors by bacteriophage M13 infection. Variability in the efficiency of this conversion can arise because of genetic factors independent of the R factor being eliminated. A fraction of the infected but unconverted R(+) cells were M13 carrier strains. The carrier state had an intracellular basis, and single R(+) cells could maintain the carrier state.

• Authors: S E Russell, V N Iyer
• Journal: Journal of bacteriology (J Bacteriol) Vol. 111 Issue 1 Pg. 7-14 (Jul 1972) ISSN: 0021-9193 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4591485 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Immune Sera
• Kanamycin
• Subtilisins
• Tetracycline

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (pharmacology)
• Coliphages (growth & development)
• Conjugation, Genetic
• Drug Resistance, Microbial
• Escherichia coli (drug effects)
• Extrachromosomal Inheritance
• Immune Sera (pharmacology)
• Kanamycin (pharmacology)
• Mutation
• Subtilisins (pharmacology)
• Tetracycline (pharmacology)