Method for the isolation of Escherichia coli relaxed mutants, utilizing near-ultraviolet irradiation.
Near-ultraviolet radiation (300 to 380 nm) induces a transient growth inhibition in "stringent" (rel+) strains of Escherichia coli, whereas "relaxed" (rel-) strains are only mildly affected. This difference permits rapid isolation of large numbers of relaxed mutants of E. coli.
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D009154:Mutation; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays