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A Mutant of Escherichia Coli that Leaks Cellulase Activity Encoded by Cloned Cellulase Genes from Cellulomonas Fimi

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Abstract

A strain of Escherichia coli that leaks cellulase activity encoded by cloned cellulase genes from Cellulomonas fimi was isolated following mutagenesis with nitrosoguani-dine. The strain also leaks several other normally periplasmic enzymes into the culture medium: β-lactamase, alkaline phosphate and RNase, and lyses in minimal medium, as judged by cell viability and the release of β-galactosidase. Growth in broth medium affords protection against lysis. Enzyme leakage is temperature dependent, being maximal at 40°C, at which temperature 40% of total cellulase activity is found in the supernatant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1W5

    N. R. Gilkes, D. G. Kilburn, R. C. Miller Jr. & R. A. J. Warren

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  1. N. R. Gilkes
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  2. D. G. Kilburn
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  3. R. C. Miller Jr.
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  4. R. A. J. Warren
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Gilkes, N., Kilburn, D., Miller, R. et al. A Mutant of Escherichia Coli that Leaks Cellulase Activity Encoded by Cloned Cellulase Genes from Cellulomonas Fimi. Nat Biotechnol 2, 259–263 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0384-259

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0384-259

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