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O o mutations in the galactose operon in E. coli

I. Genetic characterization

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Summary

Eleven mutants lacking the three enzymes of galactose fermentation were investigated.

Eight of the mutants revert spontaneously to the Gal + phenotype. These cannot be deletions. Six of these spontaneously reverting mutants do not respond to the mutagens 2-aminopurine, ethyl-methanesulfonate and N-Methyl-N′-Nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. It is concluded that these o o mutations cannot be reverted by base substitution.

The eleven o o mutants are not of the amber or ochre type as shown by their behaviour towards suppressor genes.

The possible nature of the mutations is discussed.

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Saedler, H., Starlinger, P. O o mutations in the galactose operon in E. coli . Molec. Gen. Genetics 100, 178–189 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00333604

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