Preliminary characterization of the temperature-sensitive defect in DNA replication in a mutant mouse L cell

Temperature-sensitive ts A1S9 mouse L cells synthesize DNA apparently normally for 6-8 hr upon incubation at 38.5 degrees C. Thereafter, these cells are able to perform limited polydeoxyribonucleotide chain synthesis at the high temperature, but are unable to convert newly replicated small single-strand segments of DNA (of the order of molecular weight 10(6) daltons) to large molecular weight chromosomal DNA. Data obtained are compatible with a model which suggests that ts A1S9 cells are able to carry out most individual reactions of DNA synthesis at the high temperature, but are temperature-sensitive in a protein which participates in the joining of small DNA segments to make chromosomal DNA strands. When cells are reincubated at a permissive temperature, after the temperature-sensitive lesion has been established, they recover the latter capability several hours before they are able once again to synthesize DNA at normal rates.