Relationship of R6K replicating forms to the folded chromosome of Escherichia coli.

An examination of the relationship of both nonreplicating and replicating forms of R6K plasmid DNA to the Escherichia coli folded chromosome showed that both forms cosediment with the chromosome in neutral sucrose gradients. Approximately 20% of the nonreplicatin molecules was found as freely sedimenting forms when the folded-configuration of the chromosomes was preserved. However, under the same conditions negligible amounts of the replicating forms were found as freely sedimenting molecules. Thus, it is concluded that the replicating forms, when compared with nonreplicating molecules, are preferentially associated with the folded chromosomal structure. Exposure of the folded chromosomal structure to RNase resulted in an unfolding of the chromosome and a concomitant increase in the amount of freely sedimenting replicating and nonreplicating forms of R6K DNA. Analyses of the single-stranded length of RNase-released nascent molecules suggest that they replicate in continuous association with the folded chromsome complex. Nonenzymatic unfolding of the chromosomes by progressively lowering the sodium ion concentration during lysis resulted in a progressive increase in the release of nonreplicating molecules. Replicating molecules wer not released by unfolding the chromosome in this fashion.