Biopolymers and cell. 2002; 18 (1): 48 - 56

The strategy of bacteriophages use as an instrument for the selection of different mutants in cell population

I. Yu. Slavchenko

The methodological approaches for the selection of bacterial mutants using bacteriophages have been analysed and summarised for the first time. The strategy of bacteriophages usage as an instrument for the selection of changed cells with properties of the author's interest has been developed on the base of the literary data and own experience. The examples of such strategy for different taxonomic groups have been given. Probable difficulties during the process of mutants selection, the limitations of the selection methods proposed and the means to overcome them have been considered. Possibilities and perspectives of bacteriophages usage for the selection of bacteria bearing mutations in genes of homologous and heterologous origin have been discussed. The examples of practical application of this strategy for the solution of both fundamental and applied tasks have been demonstrated.