REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFORMATION IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

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Abstract
The conditions required to develop optimal sensitivity of Bacillus subtilis strain 168 (indole-dependent) to transformation by deoxyribonucleic acidfrom wild-type strains have been studied. Optimal sensitivity to transformation to prototrophy was achieved by growth in a glucose minimal medium containing L-tryptophan and acid-hydrolyzed casein. Two growth periods were employed. In the first 4 hr. period, the casein hydrolyzate provided growth stimulation and high concentrations inhibited the formation of competent cells. During the second period (of 90 min), the casein hydrolyzate could be replaced by L-histidine or any of a number of metal chelating compounds.