Isolating naturally occurring temperature sensitive mutant strains of bacteria i

Question

Isolating naturally occurring temperature sensitive mutant strains of bacteria is often very helpful in figuring out the function of a particular protein. Determine the function of the following proteins based on the experiments outlined below.

Several temperature sensitive strains of E. coli were tested for DNA replication activity. In one strain, gyrase was found to be affected when the temperature was raised above 37ºC, but was functional at 37ºC and lower. Do you expect cells would be viable if grown at elevated temperatures? Explain why/why not.

Explanation / Answer

No, I expect cells would not be viable if grown at elevated temperatures. Because DNA gyrase is an essential bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent negative super-coiling of double-stranded closed-circular DNA, and it is involved in the control of topological transitions of DNA. If this enzyme not works properly, there will be problem in DNA replication. Therefore, cell will not be viable.

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