[Synthesis of RNA polymerase subunits in Escherichia coli mutants]

The influence of mutations in structural genes of beta- and beta'-subunits of RNA polymerase upon the synthesis of these subunits in E. coli cells have been investigated. An amber-mutation ts22 in the beta-subunit gene decreases the intracellular concentration of this subunit and the rate of its synthesis. At the same time the concentration and the rate of beta'-subunit synthesis is increased. These facts suggest the compensating activation of the synthesis of RNA polymerase subunits that takes place under the conditions of deficiency in one of the subunits. Reversions, as well as more effective suppression of ts22 amber-mutation achieved by streptomycin addition or substitution of su2 by sul result in a rise in the concentration and the rate of beta-subunit formation. This is accompanied by a drop in the concentration and the role of beta'-subunit synthesis. tsX missense motation in the beta'-subunit gene alters the properties of the enzyme increasing at the same time the concentration and the rate of synthesis of both subunits, particularly at nonpermissive temperature. This points to an inversely proportional relationship between the rate of synthesis of RNA polymerase subunits and total intracellular activity of the enzyme. Extra subunits are rapidly degraded in ts22 and tsX mutants.