Modification of the bacteriophage vector M13mp2: introduction of new restriction sites for cloning

The construction of two new derivatives of the bacteriophage cloning vector M13mp2 is described. One derivative, mWJ22, contains a new HindIII site while the other, mWJ43, contains a new BamHI site. These new sites were both introduced at the EcoRI site at amino acid five of the 145 amino acid-long fragment of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase within the phage. The new restriction sites do not disrupt the blue color detection system of M13mp2; therefore insertion of cloned fragments results in colorless plaques on indicator plates for the new derivatives.