Timing of Cold-sensitive Stages in the Cell Division Cycle of Escherichia coli K12

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Abstract
Synchronous cultures obtained by selection at division were used to investigate the occurrence of cold-sensitive stages during the division cycle of E. coli ([phage] .lambda.ind-). There are 2 such stages within the 50 min cycle: one (early) at 10-20 min and the other (late) at 40-45 min. Similar results were obtained from calculations based both on the age frequency distribution of cells in exponential growth and on the size of the populations which accumulate as a result of a single change of temperature. Times of about 17 and 44 min were found for the early and the late stages, respectively. The 2-step doubling of E. coli K12 cultures synchronized by a single cold shock is due to 2 cold-sensitive stages in the division cycle.