[Positive mutation as regards n-alkane oxidation in Pseudomonas denitrificans]

Differences in the overall protein composition were studied in the wild-type and mutant cells of Pseudomonas denitrificans. Pleiotropic mutation was established, which was characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in at least 6 to 8 protein fractions and corresponded to the appearance of 2 to 3 steps of oxidation of higher n-alkanes, as had been found earlier in biochemical experiments. New enzymatic functions may appear on the basis of genetically determined proteins available, upon reorganization of the intracellular structure caused by propagating changes induced by mutation.