[Natural transformation in bacteria].
Transformants may be formed by some bacterial species when the growing cultures are mixed. This phenomenon caused by the DNA release from bacterial cells is called natural transformation. DNA release is most likely to be mediated by cell autolysis. Both chromosomal markers and plasmids are transferred by natural transformation. The phenomenon is reproduced while growing bacteria together in sterile soil. The DNA adsorbed on sand and other soil solid particles was more resistant to DNAse action, than the free transforming DNA. Natural transformation seems to be one of the forms of the genetic exchange in bacteria in their habitats. An indirect argument for this suggestion is perfect coordination between the different steps of transformation process, at least, in some bacterial species.
P V
PV
Kosovich
A A
AA
Prozorov
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D014169:Transformation, Bacterial
D004269:DNA, Bacterial
Estestvennaia transformatsiia u bakteriĭ.