UPTAKE OF DNA BY COMPETENT BACTERIA - A POSSIBLE MECHANISM

At present there has been no satisfactory explanation of how such a large molecule as DNA can penetrate and transform a competent bacterium. A mechanism is proposed by which transforming DNA could be taken up by the mesosome organelles of Bacillus subtilis. The mesosomal vesicles could constitute an active absorption site, which would be initially exposed to the surrounding medium by the action of a lytic competence factor. The DNA could then pass into the mesosome and be integrated at the point where the mesosome is joined to the recipient chromosome. This is likely to be the replicating point. © 1969 Academic Press Inc. (London) Ltd.