Deletion and complementation analysis of biotin gene cluster of Escherichia coli.

Genetic deletions that terminate within the cluster of genes needed for biotin biosynthesis in Escherichia coli have been isolated and mapped by transduction with phages lambda and P1. These deletions order the point mutations in each of the five genes. Mutations causing biotin dependence were incorporated into lambdapbio transducing phages. New bio(-) mutations were induced by exposure of lambdapbio particles to ultraviolet light. Tests of complementation between such bio(-)pbio particles and bio(-) mutant cells divide the bio(-) mutations into five cistrons: bioA, bioB, bioF, bioC, and bioD. Certain bioA and bioF mutations exhibit intragenic complementation, suggesting that these genes determine enzymes composed of identical subunits.