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SORPTION OF DNA AND RNA DURING TRANSFORMATION OF NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Author(s) -
Jyssum Kaare,
Jyssum Sidsel,
Gundersen Wenche Biix
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
acta pathologica microbiologica scandinavica section b microbiology and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1600-0463
pISSN - 0365-5563
DOI - 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1971.tb03813.x
Subject(s) - dna , rna , transformation (genetics) , heterologous , biology , escherichia coli , deoxyribonuclease , microbiology and biotechnology , homologous chromosome , genetics , gene
The fate of homologous and heterologous ( Escherichia coli ) labelled DNA and RNA was examined after sorption to vNeisseria meningitidis cells. RNA was bound to competent as well as to incompetent cells in relatively large quantities, but RNA did not interfere with the transformation. In CsCl gradients from lysates of transformed cells a labelled peak corresponding to double‐stranded DNA was constantly found. The specific labelling of this peak increased with the time of exposure to DNA, and was proportional to the transformation efficiency. The attempts' to demonstrate radioactivity corresponding to single‐stranded DNA in lysates from transformed cells were altogether negative. The experiments support the assumption that the step in the transformation leading to deoxyribonuclease insensitivity is specific for homologous DNA. This specificity has been discussed in relation to the lack of a similar specificity in other transformable species.