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. 1975 Jul;123(1):278–286. doi: 10.1128/jb.123.1.278-286.1975

Variation in expression of sex factor genes in the Proteus-Providencia group relative to Escherichia coli.

S Baumberg, S Dennison
PMCID: PMC235717  PMID: 1095557

Abstract

Several instances of anomalous expression of genes introduced from Escherichia coli K-12 into Proteus mirabilis have been described. It is shown here that control of sex pilus synthesis directed by the F-like R factor R1 and its depressed derivatives R1-16 (O-C) and R1-19 (i-minus) is also anomalous in P. mirabilis. Piliation in cells bearing the depressed plasmids is expressed at a lower level than in E. coli K-12, and repression is absent in R1-carrying cells. Preliminary results show a similar effect in Providencia. In Proteus morganii, a similarly reduced level of piliation in R1-16-+ or R1-19-+ cultures is observed, but an intermediate level of repression occurs in R1-+ cultures. Less extensive data suggest that expression of the sex factor genes of an R factor of the N incompatibility group differs far less between E. coli and P. mirabilis hosts. Possible bases for these effects are discussed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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