INCORPORATION OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID IN THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS TRANSFORMATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The optimal conditions for the incorporation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were studied. In competent cells, the irreversible binding of DNA was influenced by temperature, hydrogen ion concentration, and aeration. Divalent cations, such as barium, strontium, calcium or magnesium, were required. Under suboptimal environmental conditions and with metabolic inhibitors, the process of transformation was decreased to a greater extent than was incorporation of DNA. Under conditions of phosphate depletion, the incorporation of p32 increased. However, the frequency of transformation decreased. This inducible process was not related to competence.