NONFILTRABILITY OF THE AGENTS OF GENETIC RECOMBINATION IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract

Genetic recombination between 2 mutants of E. coli K-12 took place readily in a mixed culture, but failed to occur when the strains were separated by a fritted glass disk, despite frequent vacuum filtration alternately from 1 side to the other. These observations provide evidence against a soluble transforming substance, and hence favor cellular fusion as the mechanism underlying recombination.