Molecular analysis of the recF gene of Escherichia coli

We analyzed the nucleotide sequence of a 1.325-kilobase region of wild-type Escherichia coli containing a functional recF gene and six Tn3 mutations that inactivate recF. The analysis shows a potentially translatable reading frame of 1071 nucleotides, which is interrupted by all six insertions. A protein of 40.5 kilodaltons would result from translation of the open reading frame, and a radioactive band of protein of an apparent molecular weight of approximately 40 kilodaltons was seen by the maxicell method using a recF+ plasmid. Putative truncated peptides were seen when two recF::Tn3 mutant plasmids were used. Differential expression of dnaN and recF from a common promoter was noted. recF332::Tn3 was transferred to the chromosome where, in hemizygous condition, it produced UV sensitivity indistinguishable from that produced by two presumed recF point mutations.