Plasmid-mediated transformation in Bacillus megaterium

Abstract
A transformation system was developed for B. megaterium by using antibiotic-resistance plasmid DNA molecules derived from Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Lysozyme-generated protoplasts of B. megaterium allowed uptake of plasmid DNA in the presence of polyethylene glycol. Transformants expressed the antibiotic resistance determinants present on the plasmid DNA, and reisolated plasmid DNA yielded restriction endonuclease digestion patterns identical to those of the donor DNA.