Cell cycle in Mycobacterium phlei

The initial replication region of the chromosome on the replication map of M. phlei constructed by means of sequential mutagenesis in synchronous populations was accurately determined. By following the time shift of the replication moment of the genes bac and met in the control culture and in the culture with the initial inhibition of DNA synthesis by nalidixic acid the start of replication of the chromosome was determined at 15 min before replication of the gene ile. On the basis of the results obtained a scheme of the cell cycle in M. phlei was proposed. Intervals C and D depend on the generation time, become prolonged independently of each other and assume the whole cycle. The ratio C/(C + D) equals to 0.56 and the interval D has a value of 0.76 of the interval C. The mutual ratio of the intervals C : D is 1.3 : 1.0. The obtained results make it possible to form the assumption about mutual ratios between the chromosome replication and cell division in bacteria exhibiting slow growth rates.