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J Bacteriol. 1972 May; 110(2): 485-493
Copyright © 1972 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Specific Inhibition of Cell Division by Colicin E₂ Without Degradation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid in a New Colicin Sensitivity Mutant of Escherichia coli

Laboratory of Fermentation and Microbiology, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

ABSTRACT

A new class of colicin sensitivity mutants of Escherichia coli was isolated whose cell division was specifically inhibited by colicin E₂ without detectable degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at 30 C. The mutant could not form colonies in the presence of colicin E₂ but recovered colony-forming ability by trypsin treatment even after prolonged incubation with the colicin. Addition of colicin E₂ to the exponentially growing mutant inhibited cell division completely but did not induce degradation of DNA into cold acid-soluble materials nor any breakage of DNA strands. Synthesis of DNA in the mutant was not inhibited, and long filamentous cells with multiple nuclear bodies were formed by the action of colicin E₂. Degradation of ribosomal ribonucleic acid and development of prophage , both of which were induced by colicin E₂ in the sensitive cells, did not occur in the mutant. At the elevated temperature, however, the mutant was found to undergo colicin-induced degradation of DNA. No differences in ultraviolet light nor drug sensitivities were observed in the mutant compared to the parent E. coli. The data suggested that colicin E₂ had a specific inhibitory effect on cell division of E. coli that was not a consequence of DNA degradation.

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