The characterization of an alanine racemase mutant of Escherichia coli

Abstract

Among temperature-sensitive mutants of Escherichia coli a strain was discovered requiring D-alanine for growth. It was proved to possess an altered alanine racemase. The structural gene for this enzyme, designated alr, is located between metB and pur A. The properties of the enzyme and its locus suggest that it is not under control of the mechanisms which regulate mucopeptide formation. A suppressor of the alr mutation was discovered near trp, and termed msuA. © 1972, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.