Genetic and enzymic studies on the recombination process in Bacillus subtilis

Mol Gen Genet. 1975;136(1):9-30. doi: 10.1007/BF00275445.

Abstract

We have isolated recombination deficient mutants of Bacillus subtilis on the basis of their sensitivity to methyl-methane-sulfonate or ultraviolet light, or of their inability to be transformed on solid medium. We have analyzed the mutants for several recombination and repair properties; we have grouped them in 5 classes on the basis of their phenotype and tested them for the activity of several enzymes acting on DNA, ie. DNA polymerase, polynucleotide ligase, ATP dependent DNase, and a DNase acting on single-stranded DNA. One mutant was found reduced in the latter DNase. Some of the mutants have been mapped, and they correspond to three different genes denominated rec D, rec F and rec G. All the recombination deficient mutants of B. subtilis described in the literature have been grouped in 7 classes; the mutations belong to 13 (and possibly 15) different genes distributed along the map. A coherent nomenclature and the criteria for a standard study of the rec mutants are proposed.

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis / drug effects
  • Bacillus subtilis / enzymology
  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics*
  • Bacillus subtilis / radiation effects
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / metabolism
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Deoxyribonucleases / metabolism
  • Methyl Methanesulfonate / toxicity
  • Mutagens / toxicity
  • Mutation
  • Polynucleotide Ligases / metabolism
  • Recombination, Genetic*
  • Transformation, Bacterial*
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Mutagens
  • Methyl Methanesulfonate
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • Deoxyribonucleases
  • Polynucleotide Ligases