A vector for studying plasmid stability functions in Streptomyces

Abstract
Summary: We constructed a cloning vector (pMT603) based on the low copy number plasmid SCP2*. pMT6O3 is unstable because it lacks the SCP2* stability region and carries the selectable marker thiostrepton-resistance and a tyrosinase gene which results in melanin production. This allows easy testing of plasmid stability and we demonstrated its usefulness by cloning a plasmid stability function.