Spectrum of proton-induced mutagenesis of the Escherichia coli crp gene.

Mutation of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate receptor protein gene (crp) of Escherichia coli induced by protons, ionizing radiation of charged particles, was analyzed to determine the specificity of the mutational spectrum. The majority, 44 of 49 mutations detected, were base substitutions, and three frameshifts and two gross structural changes were also found. Base substitutions included 35 transversions and nine transitions. G:C to T:A transversions were the dominant type of base substitution, followed by G:C to C:G and A:T to T:A transversions. Almost all transitions were eight G:C to A:T changes. The spectrum of proton mutagenesis was quite different from that of X-ray mutagenesis of the crp gene, in which G:C to A:T transitions dominated.