title: Is the lactose-utilization ability ofRhizobium ofSesbania procumbens a vestigeal function?
abstract: Rhizobium SBS-R100, isolated from the stem nodules ofSesbania procumbens, synthesized β-galactosidase constitutively. Transposon mutagenesis by Tn9 induced mutants defective in lactose utilization; the mutations did not interfere with growth, nodulation or N2 fixation. Mouse monoclonal antibody raised against β-galactosidase ofEscherichia coli reacted with soluble proteins of wild typeRhizobium SBS-R100. Anin vivo constructed recombinant plasmid pSBS-4 complemented aRhizobium mutant defective in lactose utilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Lady Doak College, 625002, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shenbagarathai
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shanmugasundaram