Response of Escherichia coli containing mycobacterial carotene genes to UV radiation

The plasmid pC5, which encodes biogenesis of lycopene in Mycobacterium aurum A(+), was partially digested by restriction endonucleases and generated fragments were cloned. After transformation of Escherichia coli (colorless bacteria) with the plasmids so constructed, seven orange clones were detected and found to carry the same recombinant plasmid (pC51). E. coli cells containing this plasmid synthesize neurosporene and lycopene, and were more resistant to ultraviolet irradiation than nonpigmented strain.