λ Lysogens of E. coli reproduce more rapidly than non-lysogens (original) (raw)

Nature volume 255, pages 735–737 (1975)Cite this article

Abstract

THE evolutionary basis for the integration of phage DNA into bacterial chromosomes (lysogeny1,2) is not understood. A generally accepted explanation is that when the bacterial population is large and growing well, the phages prefer the lytic pathway since they can multiply without elimination of all host bacteria. If conditions deteriorate so that the supply of bacteria becomes limited or if growth is slowed, the phages tend to lysogenise. There have been few studies of the evolutionary mechanisms which may have selected for lysogeny. We now report that in certain growth conditions λ lysogens of Escherichia coli reproduce more rapidly than isogenic, non-lysogenic strains.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, 95616
    GORDON EDLIN, LEO LIN & ROBERT KUDRNA

Authors

  1. GORDON EDLIN
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  2. LEO LIN
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  3. ROBERT KUDRNA
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EDLIN, G., LIN, L. & KUDRNA, R. λ Lysogens of E. coli reproduce more rapidly than non-lysogens.Nature 255, 735–737 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/255735a0

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