The effect of mitomycin C on ribonucleic acid synthesis in growing cultures of Escherichia coli

Abstract

1. 1. The effect of mitomycin C on RNA synthesis has been studied in exponentially growing cultures of a wild strain of Escherichia coli under conditions which completely arrested DNA synthesis. 2. 2. An increased rate of total RNA synthesis is found during the first 30 min after the addition of the inhibitor, and is the result of an increased synthesis of soluble RNA. There was no increase in ribosomal RNA synthesis. 3. 3. Upon exposure for longer periods, a decreased rate of soluble-RNA synthesis is found together with degradation of total RNA.