A mutation in Escherichia coli K-12 results in a requirement for thiamine and a decrease in L-serine deaminase activity

Abstract

Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 deficient in L-serine deaminase (L-SD) activity have been isolated. These strains required thiamine and grew normally when it was provided. The decrease in L-SD activity caused no obvious metabolic deficiency. A study of revertants and transductants showed that a single mutation was responsible for the thiamine requirement and for the decrease in L-SD activity.