Production and modification of Mu (G–) phage particles inE. coli K12andErwinia

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Abstract
We studied the amount of Mu(G+) and Mu(G−) phages in different Mu lysates prepared either upon induction or upon infection of E. coli and Erwinia strains. We also looked at the level of expression of the modification function (mom) by Mu(G−) phages, both after induction and after infection of E. coli and Erwinia. The expression of mom seems to be regulated in the same manner in E. coli and in the strain of Erwinia carotovora tested. The proportion of both types of Mu(G+) and Mu(G−) phages in induced lysates is very variable and we found growth conditions favouring the production of Mu(G−) particles. This should extend the use of Mu as a genetic tool and as a generalized transducing phage to many enterobacteria.