Characteristics of some single-step mutants to chloramphenicol resistance inEscherichia coliK12 and their interactions with R-factor genes

Abstract

Six one-step Chloramphenicol (Cm)-resistant mutants ofEscherichia coliK12 were graded for resistance to Cm, Tetracycline (Tc) and Puromyein (Pm) by streaking on minimal agar plates containing antibiotic. They fell into at least three distinct groups on the basis of their resistance patterns. One mutant showed increased sensitivity to Pm. Most of the mutants expressed their effect on resistance to Cm and Tc in the presence of R-factors carrying resistance genes for these antibiotics, but one mutant with a relatively high level of resistance to Cm had its resistance effect completely masked in the presence of R-mediated resistance. Similar cases were found among mutants selected for Cm-resistance in another strain of K12.