Genetic Analysis of Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis in Mycobacteria: Characterization of a <i>ddlA</i> Mutant of <i>Mycobacterium smegmatis</i>

Abstract

A temperature-sensitive mutant of Mycobacterium smegmatis was characterized that contains a mutation in ddlA, the gene encoding D-alanine:D-alanine ligase. Enzymatic assays using recombinant proteins and D-cycloserine susceptibility indicate that the A365V mutation in the SMEG35 DdlA protein causes a reduction in enzymatic activity in vitro and in vivo.