Species-specific uptake of DNA by gonococci is mediated by a 10-base-pair sequence.
Piliated Neisseria gonorrhoeae are known to be transformed less readily if transforming DNA competes with DNA containing the 10-bp sequence GCCGTCTGAA. It has been postulated that the 10-bp sequence is a recognition sequence which is required for efficient DNA uptake. We show that the presence of various forms of this 10-bp sequence results in increased uptake of double-stranded DNA into a DNase-resistant state and allows genetic transformation by an otherwise nontransformable plasmid.
Elkins
C
C
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Thomas
C E
CE
Seifert
H S
HS
Sparling
P F
PF
D001483:Base Sequence; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000378:metabolism*; D010957:Plasmids; D013045:Species Specificity; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
D004269:DNA, Bacterial