A complementation analysis of mobilization deficient mutants of the plasmid ColE1

Hydroxylamine was used to induce mutants of the ColE1 derived plasmid pML2 that are inefficiently mobilized (Mob-) during conjugation by an Hfr donor. The ability of those mutants to be complemented by deletion mutants and Tn3 insertion mutants of ColE1 was examined. Three complementation groups were identified and localized on the ColE1 genetic map (Mob1, Mob2, and Mob3). One hydroxylamine mutant was not complemented by any mobilization deficient mutant but was complemented by mobilizable ColE1 mutants. Two hydroxylamine mutants were not complemented by any ColE1 derivatives. A mutant that had its relaxation nick site deleted had a markedly reduced mobilizability. The relationship between DNA relaxation nick site deleted had a markedly reduced mobilizability. THe relationship between DNA relaxation, replication and mobilization is considered.