Catalases HPI and HPII in Escherichia coli are induced independently.

Three strains of Escherichia coli differing only in the catalase locus mutated by transposon Tn10 were constructed. These strains produced only catalase HPI (katE::Tn10 and katF::Tn10 strains) or catalase HPII (katG::Tn10). HPI levels increased gradually about twofold during logarithmic growth but did not increase during growth into stationary phase in rich medium. HPII levels, which were initially threefold lower than HPI levels, did not change during logarithmic growth but did increase tenfold during growth into stationary phase. HPI levels increased in response to ascorbate or H2O2 being added to the medium but HPII levels did not. In minimal medium, any carbon source derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle caused five- to tenfold higher HPII levels during logarithmic growth but had very little effect on HPI levels. Active electron transport did not affect either HPI or HPII levels.