Nature of Col E 1 Plasmid Replication in Escherichia coli in the Presence of Chloramphenicol

The colicinogenic factor E(1) (Col E(1)) in Escherichia coli continues to replicate by a semiconservative mechanism in the presence of chloramphenicol (CAP) for 10 to 15 hr, long after chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis has terminated. Following CAP addition, the rate of synthesis of plasmid DNA gradually increases to an extent dependent on the medium employed. Within 2 to 4 hr after the addition of CAP, replication in a glucose-Casamino Acids medium approaches a maximum rate representing approximately eight times an average rate which would be required for a net doubling of DNA per cell in one generation. The number of copies of Col E(1) DNA molecules that accumulate under these conditions approaches about 3,000 copies per cell, representing a 125-fold increase over the normal level of 24 copies per cell. The system is particularly convenient for studying the mechanism of DNA replication.