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  • Title: Evolution of a second gene for beta-galactosidase in Escherichia coli.
    Author: Campbell JH, Lengyel JA, Langridge J.
    Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A; 1973 Jun; 70(6):1841-5. PubMed ID: 4124306.
    Abstract:
    Mutants of E. coli K12 with deletions of the beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ) can reacquire the ability to hydrolyze beta-galactosides during prolonged intense selection for growth on lactose. Full lactose competence is restored through a sequence of at least five mutations. Cell extracts of these derived strains hydrolyze o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactoside, the standard substrate for assay of beta-galactosidase. The enzyme responsible for this activity differs in its immunological, kinetic, and sedimentation characteristics from the lacZ beta-galactosidase of wild-type E. coli. Its genetic determinant, designated ebg-5, maps at 59 min on the E. coli chromosome, whereas the lac operon maps at 10 min. We suggest that a gene not involved in lactose utilization has been progressively changed into a form capable of specifying a beta-galactosidase and that this process is similar to that whereby genes with new functions are evolved by natural selection.
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