Properties of the DNA Synthesizing Activity in DNA-Membrane Complexes from Bacterial Cell Extracts.

A fast sedimenting complex of gently lysed pot A- cells (an Escherichia coli strain lacking DNA polymerase I) included fragmented cell wall structures, lipid components, about 20% of the cellular protein and most of the bacterial chromosome. A major fraction of the DNA synthesizing activity in these strains cosedimented with this complex Several biochemical properties of this complex are described. The DNA synthesizing activity can be released from the complex by ultrasonication and by various detergents. The results are interpreted to mean that the DNA synthesizing activity is attached to the bacterial chromosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]