Abstract
DNA in the environment is a source to mediate horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Present molecular cloning methods are based on this HGT principle. However, DNA in the extracellular environment, particularly with high molecular-weight, is thought to be prone to shearing or digestion by nucleases. Here we discovered that extracellular plasmid DNA released from lysed Escherichia coli remained intact and stable. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that plasmids up to 100 kb in size were taken up by co-present competent Bacillus subtilis cells. The detailed kinetics of the process together with sensitivity to added DNase I indicated that plasmid DNA released from lysed E. coli into the culture medium was stable enough for quantitative efficacy in the transformation of B. subtilis. Our results will be useful for the development of methods to transfer giant DNAs from general host E. coli without their biochemical purification.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
