Regulation of biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. XV. Isolation and characterization of auxotrophic mutants in Streptomyces aureofaciens

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1973 · Folia Microbiol. (Prague), v. 18, no. 6, pp. 474-491

OSTI ID:4357922

Blumauerova, M; Ismail, A A; Hostalek, Z; Callieri, D A

Auxotrophic mutants of Streptomyces aureofaciens, necessary for a further genetic analysis, were obtained by treating standard strains and their mutants (differing by their biosynthetic activities) with uv-radiation and N- methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNG). Mean frequencies of induced mutations varied within 0.001 to 0.18% depending on the strain and experimental conditions. Doses of uv radiation and MNG yielding 0.1 to 0.9% and 0.001 to 0.0009% survival, respectively, were found to be most effective. The technique of subsequent enrichment was found to be more useful for the detection of mutants than the technique of total isolation. Most isolated auxotrophs required arginine. Among other growth factors, methionine, purine bases and serine (or glycine) were frequently required. A new modification of the enrichment technique utilizing a synthetic arginine-free medium was worked out for the exclusion of the arg mutants. The nutritional deficiency was in most auxotrophs associated with a decrease or a complete loss of the ability to produce secondary metabolites. Difficulties caused by unequal mutation patterns and high unstability of mutants as well as presumable loci of certain genetic blocks leading to auxotrophy are discussed. (auth)

• Research Organization: Inst. of Microbiology, Prague
• NSA Number: NSA-29-015903
• OSTI ID: 4357922
• Journal Information: Folia Microbiol. (Prague), v. 18, no. 6, pp. 474-491, Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-74
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

N48310* -Life Sciences-Radiation Effects on Microorganisms- -Basic Studies
*MUTATIONS- RADIOINDUCTION
*STREPTOMYCES- MUTATIONS
ARGININE
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BIOSYNTHESIS
CARBONIC ACID DERIVATIVES
METHIONINE
NITRO COMPOUNDS
NITROSO COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTON BEAMS
PURINES
RADIATION DOSES
SERINE
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION