Intergenus natural genetic transformation between Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis at different growth phase

Abstract:

The culture fluids of Escheriachia coli with shuttle plasmid and Bacillus subtilis strains were mixed and coincubated for 40 minutes after culturing respectively in LB and minimal media. The steadily plasmid transfer by natural genetic transformation between these two gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria has been demonstrated by the methods of selective medium screening, DNaseⅠsensitivity test and plasmid detection. In contrast to MM culture B. subtilis LB culture can be competent and has equivalent transformation frequency. Furthermore, the maximal transformation frequency was obtained when cells in exponential phase served as donors or recipients. It is suggested that B. subtilis solid transformation is different from liquid plasmid transformation including the whole process of DNA plasmid competence producing. Understanding the mechanisms of gene transfer between bacteria may aid in assessing the potential risk associated with the release of recombinant organisms into the environment.