[Regularities and cellular mechanism of spontaneous mutations in enterobacteria]

The regularities and a possible mechanism of the formation of spontaneous mutations in enterobacteria were studied. Possible causes and the mechanism of these processes were analyzed. It was shown that the mechanism of formation of spontaneous mutations is not related to the replication process and DNA polymerase errors. Mutations arise abruptly within 10-20 min due to a cosmophysical factor of unknown origin. It is assumed that cosmophysical radiation makes cell membranes excitable. Upon membrane pulsation, different volumes (portions) of cell substance are ejected through expanding pores. From this substance, viable heteromorphous mutant forms of colonies and cells (bio- and serum variants, L-forms, "parastrains", and new ecoforms of bacteria) are formed.