[Plasmids containing 2 new variants of the E.coli lacZ gene]

New plasmids containing partially deleted lacZ genes were obtained. These genes determine high-level synthesis of polypeptides of molecular mass 43-45 and 49-51 kD under the control of the lambda phage PR-promoter; inspite of the deletion, E. coli cells carrying new plasmids were found to possess beta-galactosidase activity. Use of these plasmids as new expression vectors is suggested.