In vivo studies of temperature-sensitive recB and recC mutants

Abstract

Some in vivo properties of Escherichia coli K-12 strains carrying recB270 (formerly recBts1) and recC271 (formerly recCts1) mutations have been determined. Single recB270 and recC271 mutants appear normal at 30 C with regard to ultraviolet and mitomycin C sensitivity, recombination proficiency, and viability. At 43 C these strains become sensitive to ultraviolet and mitomycin C, while showing only a slight decrease in recombination proficiency. The viable titers of the single mutants are somewhat reduced at 43 C. Double mutant strains carrying polA1 and recB270 or recC271 are inviable at 43 C. The double mutant strain (recB270 recC271) is sensitive to both UV and mitomycin C at 30 C, but shows only slightly reduced recombination proficiency. At 43 C the strain resembles absolute recB and recC mutants in all respects. In addition, the double mutant strain exhibits a temperature-induced drop in viable titer. The triple mutant polA1 recB270 recC271 is viable at 30 C. Two hypotheses are advanced to explain these results.