Selection of Escherichia coli K-12 chromosomal mutants that prevent expression of F-plasmid functions.

Chromosomal mutants of Escherichia coli deficient in the expression of F-plasmid functions were selected by mutagenizing F- cells, introducing an F' plasmid into the mutagenized cells by conjugation, and identifying transconjugants resistant to the donor-specific bacteriophage Q beta by a simple spray test. All but 1 of 25 mutants were defective in an extracellular stage of Q beta infection, suggesting that they fail to elaborate F-pili. At least six of these were also deficient as deoxyribonucleic acid donors. More than half of the mutants appear to be altered in peviously undetected chromosomal genes required for the expression of F-related cellular functions.