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An element controlling chloramphenicol resistance (chl) was detected in Streptomyces coelicolor a3(2). Strains sensitive to 1 μg chloramphenicol ml−1 were obtained among dark scarlet variants. Transfer of the resistance factor was attempted in matings between chloramphenicol-resistant (Chl+) and chloramphenicol-sensitive (Chl−) strains, both of which lacked the SCPI fertility factor. Transfer of chl was obtained at a much higher rate than that expected for chromosomal markers in SCP1− × SCP1− matings. However, in these particular crosses the latter was also several times higher than usual. All recombinants for chromosomal markers were Chl+. Attempts to locate the chl element failed to distinguish between a chromosomal and an extrachromosomal site. The observed increase in the recombination frequency for chromosomal markers suggests that the chl element may promote recombination.