Study of mutational specificity in thelacl gene ofescherichia coli as a window on the mechanisms of mutation

Abstract
Whereas in the past we had to be content with mutation induction and survival curves, the recently developed technologies permitting the rapid cloning and sequencing of mutant alleles have provided a new window through which to examine the nature of mutation. These technologies make it possible to determine the precise nature of the mutational alteration as well as the local DNA context. This information has contributed significantly to our knowledge of the mutational process including the identification of likely pre‐mutagenic lesions and the influence of DNA sequence and structure of the distribution of damage and its subsequent repair. This article discusses these issues as they relate to mutagenesis by alkylating agents.