Origin of replication, oriC, of the Escherichia coli chromosome: mapping of genes relative to R.EcoRI cleavage sites in the oriC region.

A precise genetic-physical map of the tna-ilv region at 82 min on the genetic map of E. coli is obtained through deletion mapping and analysis by restriction endonuclease EcoRI of plasmids, derived from an F' carrying the genes between aroE and ilv. A locus, designated het, which in its diploid state results in slow growth and heterogeneity of cell size due to distorted cell division, maps between bglB and asn, 30-45 kb counterclockwise of ilv. The pattern of R.EcoRI cleavage sites in the het region is identical with the pattern obtained by Marsh and Worcel (1977) who analyzed DNA labeled preferentially in the region of the DNA replication origin (oriC). We suggest that oriC is identical with the het site and that it can be allocated to a position 32 kb counterclockwise of the ilv operon.