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. 1974 Jan;117(1):100–106. doi: 10.1128/jb.117.1.100-106.1974

F Factor-Mediated Immunity to Lethal Zygosis in Escherichia coli K-12

Ronald A Skurray 1, Peter Reeves 1
PMCID: PMC246530  PMID: 4587600

Abstract

Recipient (F−) cells of Escherichia coli are sensitive to an excess of Hfr donor cells. This phenomenon of lethal zygosis is associated with conjugation and is observed as a continuous fall in F− viable cells during liquid mating, or as inhibition of F− growth on solid media. One class of survivors, which arose in the zones of inhibition on solid media, was no longer sensitive to lethal zygosis and exhibited the following properties: sensitivity to male-specific phage, donor ability, and surface exclusion. Since these characteristics were sensitive to acridine orange treatment, the strains carry an F factor extrachromosomally. They are, however, defective in some way since they retain sensitivity to female-specific phage. Temporary sensitivity to lethal zygosis in these and in standard F+ strains can be induced by the formation of F− phenocopies. We have suggested that there is an immunity to lethal zygosis (Ilz+) associated with the F factor and discuss the results in terms of this hypothesis.

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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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