GENETIC STUDIES OF PIGMENTATION IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Abstract
Exposure of cells of several strains of Staphylococcus aureus to 50 or 100 microgram of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine for 30 to 60 min induced large numbers of mutants with pigment content different from that of the parent. By determination of the amount of pigment as related to the optical density of the cells, four to seven classes of pigmentation mutants could be defined. Mutants with pigment content differing from that of the parent could be readily mutated to other pigmentation states and are thus probable point mutations. In contrast, completely white mutants could not be induced by the mutagen to any degree of pigmentation and possibly represent minor deletions in the chromosome. There was no evidence that the pigment gene(s) is extrachromosomal. Mutants differing in pigment content from that of the parent were unable to produce coagulase during growth although th parent cultures elaborated considerable coagulase under identical conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0484225
Entities
People
- Robert A. Altenbern