Penicillinase plasmid DNA from Staphylococcus aureus.
A penicillinase plasmid from Staphylococcus aureus and three of its derivatives, all previously identified as extrachromosomal genetic elements, have been isolated in high yield as circular duplex DNA molecules. The wild-type plasmid was found by contour-length measurements of electron micrographs to have a molecular weight of 18.6 x 10(6) daltons. Two plasmids with deletions encompassing six and eight of the eleven known plasmid cistrons had molecular weights of 16.4 x 10(6) and 15.3 x 10(6) daltons, respectively. This information was used to establish approximate physical distances for the genetic map. A high-frequency transducing element also derived from the plasmid had a molecular weight of approximately 24 x 10(6) daltons. Although each plasmid preparation appeared homogeneous by ultracentrifugal analysis, electron micrographs always revealed the presence of a low percentage of complex oligomeric forms, particularly circular and catenated dimers.
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008967:Molecular Biology; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000032:analysis*; D014161:Transduction, Genetic; D014461:Ultracentrifugation; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors