Production of giant cells of Escherichia coli.
Giant cells, with volumes up to 500-fold those of normal cells, have been produced by both genetic and pharmacological means in Escherichia coli K-12. In the genetic approach, an envB or mon mutation (conferring rounded or irregular morphology) was combined with a lon mutation (block of septation after irradiation). UV irradiation and subsequent incubation for 2 to 5 h in a rich medium supplemented with 1% sodium chloride led t; production of polymorphic giant cells. In the pharmacological approach, incubation of several different strains of E. coli K-12 with the drug 6-amidinopenicillanic acid (FL1060) in the same rich medium gave rise to a homogeneous population of smoothly rounded giant cells.
D002455:Cell Division; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D014161:Transduction, Genetic; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays