Cloning of seven differently complementing DNA fragments with chl functions from Escherichia coli K12

Seven genomic libraries of chromosomal Escherichia coli K12 wild-type DNA were constructed in plasmid vectors. These were used to transform chl insertion mutants. Selection for growth on nitrate under anaerobic conditions yielded four plasmids which complemented mutants of the chlA, B, E and G types. The chromosomal fragments were mapped with restriction enzymes and subcloned. Three complementation groups were observed among the chlA mutants and two among the chlE mutants. The established complementation groups plus mutants of the chlD type represent eight distinct functions, which are all believed to be required for the molybdenum cofactor activity in the reduction of nitrate to nitrite by E. coli.