Mutant Δ7,8-LDS was produced by homologous recombination using A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation. 2.5 kb of the LDS gene, including putative heme ligands of 7,8-LDS, was replaced with SGFP and TrpC/hph cassettes. The modified strains were characterized by PCR analysis, Southern hybridization, and by analysis of enzymatic activity.