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. 1971 Oct;108(1):300–308. doi: 10.1128/jb.108.1.300-308.1971

Physical and Functional Characteristics of R-Factor Deoxyribonucleic Acid Segregated into Escherichia coli Minicells1

Stuart B Levy a,2
PMCID: PMC247066  PMID: 4941560

Abstract

Both fi+ and fi− type R factors function as intact replicative units when segregated into Escherichia coli minicells. Hybridization studies demonstrate that at least 95% of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in R+ minicells is episomal in origin. About half of the DNA can be extracted in a closed circular form and about 75% of the DNA is membrane associated. DNA, ribonucleic acid, and protein synthesis proceeds in R+ minicells in contrast to R− minicell controls. The system offers a unique opportunity to study a relatively small replicative unit in a native cell environment and a simple means of isolating large quantities of episomal DNA.

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Selected References

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