Mechanisms of Recombination and Function of DNA in Bacteria: Final Report, April 1969 Through November 30, 1985

摘要

A brief overview of the authors research from 1969 to 1985 is presented. In the course of the work, the authors have developed a description of how the extracellular DNA binds to and enters the cell and how the cutting events on the surface and the stripping down to only one strand affects the biological end result. The authors also used these insights to develop a picture of the fate of the DNA after entry, both for transforming the chromosome or for creating a new replicon from either phage DNA or from plasmid DNA. In the course of doing this, the authors had first to develop a usable phage system, show transfection with its DNA, and find a novel ''pseudotransduction'' phenomenon. Later work, stimulated by the appearance of drug resistance in clinical isolates, led to the study of plasmids in pneumococcus and to showing that they transform the cells by processes similar to those used by phage DNA in transfection. These are two versions of the same process - creating a new replicon in the cell - and a full understanding of it has been helpful for others. A comparable understanding of the process in other species - Hemophilus in particular, remains to be established. 37 refs. (ERA citation 13:004495)