Selective Inhibition by Pantoyl Lactone and Butyl Alcohol of the Initiation of DNA Replication in E. coli

Abstract

We studied action mechanisms of pantoyl lactone and butyl alcohol on the macromolecular synthesis of E. coli. Protein synthesis was not significantly suppressed by these agents. DNA synthesis was more remarkably affected than RNA synthesis by them. Synchronous cultures of E. coli were subsequently used to investigate the inhibition of DNA replication with these agents. It was consequently shown that these agents inhibit the initiation of a new cycle of DNA replication in this organism but permit the completion of DNA replication initiated before addition of these agents to the medium.