Replication of bacteriophage M13: VII. Requirement of the gene 2 protein for the accumulation of a specific RFII species

Abstract

The formation of a viral-strand specific discontinuity in M13 replicative form DNA was observed in Escherichia coli C-1704 rep − 3, a bacterial mutant that allows replicative form DNA formation but not its replication. This species was not found in infections with an amber mutant in the gene required for replicative form DNA replication (gene 2) or in wild-type infections in the presence of chloramphenicol. With regard to M13 replication, nalidixic acid has an effect similar to that of the rep − 3 mutation. Parental replicative form DNA and the gene 2 specific species of RFII are formed in the presence of nalidixic acid though further replication is prevented.