Quantitative correlation between penicillin resistance and beta-lactamase activity specified by the R plasmids R1, R1 bla-45, and RP1 in Escherichia coli K-12

A mutant of the R plasmid R1 which synthesizes a beta-lactamase with altered kinetic characteristics was isolated. The level of penicillin resistance specified by this plasmid was correctly predicted from the properties of the wild-type R1 according to a simple theoretical model published by Zimmermann and Rosselet (Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 12:368--372, 1977). The model also accounts for the high level of penicillin resistance specified by the R plasmid RP1.