The hemA gene encoding 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) was cloned from Rhodobacter capsulatus, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. DNA sequencing data revealed one open reading frame coding for a protein with 401 amino acids that displayed high similarity to the amino acid sequences of other known ALASs. The hemA gene was then cloned and expressed under the control of constitutive promotor in E. coli. The recombinant E. coli strain was able to accumulate 5-aminolevulinic acid to 21 mM in the liquid medium supplemented with 45 mM glycine and 120 mM succinate. In addition, a marked effect of the pH of the culture medium on ALA production was observed, and the optimum pH for culture medium was determined to be 5.8-6.3.