The mode of induction of beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) in synchronously growing cultures of two Hfr strains of Escherichia coli K12 was investigated. Cells can be induced to form the enzyme during any portion of the cell cycle; but when they are grown permanently in the presence of an inducer, enzyme synthesis is discontinuous. The interruption of beta-galactosidase synthesis appears to be geared to the growth cycle: it occurs when the cells are dividing actively. The observation that lac-specific messenger RNA is produced also in the absence of detectable enzyme synthesis suggests the existence of a control mechanism operating on the level of translation.