Origin and direction of replication of the chromosome of E. coli B-r

The origin and direction of replication of the E. coli B/r chromosome has been determined by comparing gene frequencies in P1-transducing lysates prepared on cultures growing at different rates. The gene frequencies found are consistent with the idea that replication of the chromosome is dichotomous in rapidly growing B/r. The origin was found to be between 40 and 55 min on the E. coli genetic map with replication proceeding in a clockwise direction. Markers near the origin behaved anomalously.