Characterization of the recA gene from Pseudomonas fluorescens OE 28.3 and construction of a recA mutant

The cloning and sequencing of the recA gene from Pseudomonas fluorescens OE 28.3 were described. DNA sequence analysis showed that the coding region of the P. fluorescens gene, specifying a protein of 352 amino acids, was preceded by an SOS box. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly similar to the RecA proteinsfrom Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Azotobacter vinelandii. In addition, a recA mutant was constructed and characterized. This mutant exhibited an increased sensitivity to UV irradiation and methyl methanesulphonate, and was severely impaired in performing homologous recombination.