The induction of mutants of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 and their selection by vancomycin.

The mutagenic and lethal effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG), ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS), ultraviolet light irradiation and near-ultraviolet light irradiation with 8-methoxypsoralen on the bacterium Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 were examined. The production of auxotrophic mutants was used as a measure of mutagenic efficiency. Under appropriate conditions all four agents were mutagenic.