The fate conjugally transferred R64-11 plasmid DNA in the recipient cell of E. Coli K12, 1981

Transfer replication of the R64-11 plasmid DNA was examined in recipient cells of coli K12 during interrupted mating experiments. A system was employed to specifically label plasmid DNA during conjugation in order to study the incorporation of radioactive label in the recipient cell. Replication in the recipient cell was monitored by utilizing a recipient cell inactivated for repair replication of thymine dimers produced following exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The results indicate, upon initiation of the conjugal process, that newly replicated forms of the R64-11 plasmid DNA in the recipient cell is associated with the chromosomal complex (membrane and chromosome). Recircularization occurs in non-UV treated cells 30 min following initiation of the conjugal process