Selection in Bacillus subtilis giving rise to strains with mutational alterations in a variety of ribosomal proteins.

To facilitate mapping of ribosomal protein genes in Bacillus subtilis, a selection was devised which gave rise to strains with alterations in any one of a variety or ribosomal proteins. Alterations in eighteen ribosomal proteins were identified when eighty mutants were analysed. In addition, one strain showed a major assembly defect in the large ribosomal subunit resulting in the presence of a particle sedimenting at about 40S. Eighteen large subunit proteins were present on this particle in normal amounts, while twelve proteins were much reduced in amount or undetectable.