
Full text loading...
Summary: The adaptation of a genetically deficient strain of Escherichia coli (Bacterium coli) to the utilization of lactose was shown to involve overgrowth of the population by a small number of mutants. The rate of mutation to lactose utilization is about 2 × 10−7 per bacterium per generation. This rate is not influenced by lactose or a series of substances related to that sugar. The distribution of these mutants among different cultures is in agreement with that expected on the basis of random mutation. These results are discussed in connexion with the theories of Hinshelwood on bacterial adaptation, and in relation to the problem of specifically induced mutation.
Article metrics loading...
Full text loading...
References
Data & Media loading...