Involvement of RNA polymerase in the synthesis of DNA by growing and toluene-treated cells of bacillusbrevis

Abstract

Summary The incorporation of [3H] thymidine into DNA by growing cultures of bacillus brevis as well as other Bacilli was strongly inhibited by rifampicin and streptolydigin, suggesting a role for RNA polymerase in DNA replication. On the other hand, DNA synthesis in toluene-treated cells of B . brevis , which was dependent on the presence of ATP or other ribonucleoside triphosphates, was unaffected by streptolydigin or rifampicin. However, upon storage of toluene-treated cells at −20°, sensitivity to inhibition by streptolydigin developed progressively (up to 76% inhibition) over a period of 4 weeks, while the overall rate of DNA synthesis remained constant.