Mini-Mu transposition of bacterial genes on the transmissible plasmid.

Using the pRM30 plasmid, an Aps deletion derivative of broad host range plasmid RP4 with integrated new miniMu 5 (11 kb), we followed the transfer of Escherichia coli chromosomal genes to the recipient strain. The miniMu 5-mediated transposition of chromosomal genes occurs onto the plasmid with integrated miniMu 5 rather than onto the "recipient" plasmid pNH602. The plasmid DNA in recipient cells was detected by electrophoresis. One of the acquired hybrid plasmids pTB2 was analyzed genetically and by restriction endodeoxyribonuclease digestion. A structure consisting of miniMu-chromosomal segment-miniMu as a product of Mu-mediated transposition was detected.