Two contiguous mcp genes, mcpA and mcpB, transcribed from the same DNA strand and capable of encoding methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (Mcp) have been isolated from Rhodobacter capsulatus (Re), sequenced and overexpressed in Escherichia coli (Ec). The deduced proteins (McpA, 69171 Da; McpB, 81629 Da) show a structure similar to that of Ec Mcp. The products of mcpA and mcpB, overproduced in Ec, were recognized by anti-Ec Mcp (Trg) antibodies.
Characterisation of the mcpA and mcpB genes capable of encoding methyl-accepting type chemoreceptors in Rhodobacter capsulatus