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. 1988 May;170(5):2083–2088. doi: 10.1128/jb.170.5.2083-2088.1988

DNA polymerase I activity in Escherichia coli is influenced by spot 42 RNA.

D A Polayes 1, P W Rice 1, J E Dahlberg 1
PMCID: PMC211090  PMID: 2452153

Abstract

We have shown that the level of DNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity in Escherichia coli is influenced by the level of a 109-nucleotide RNA, spot 42 RNA. Deletion of the gene for spot 42 RNA results in a 20 to 25% decrease in Pol I activity, as assayed by nucleotide incorporation in cell extracts and a decrease in the ability of cells to grow in the presence of the DNA-alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate. Also, a physiological reduction of the level of spot 42 RNA, by growth in media containing poor carbon sources, results in a corresponding decrease in Pol I activity. Conversely, overproduction of spot 42 RNA results in a 10 to 15% increase in Pol I activity in vitro. Thus, changes in the amount of spot 42 RNA result in relatively small but significant changes in Pol I activity.

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Selected References

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