A genetic analysis of a mutant of Escherichia coli with a defect in the assembly of ribosomes

Summary The complex phenotype of a mutant of Escherichia coli with a defect in the assembly of ribosomes has been shown to be due to the presence of two mutations, both of which are closely linked to the gene (xyl) that determines the ability to ferment xylose. One of the mutations is responsible for the defect in ribosome synthesis, whilst the other is associated with an altered degree of resistance to streptomycin and a reduced efficiency in the utilisation of the growth substrate.