D-(-)-poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in membranes of genetically competent bacteria

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Abstract
D-(-)-Poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate (DlPbH) is a constituent of the membranes and cytoplasm of genetically competent Azotobacter vinelandii, Bacillus subtilis and Haemophilus influenzae cells. Within each species the concentration of DlPbH in the membranes and cytoplasm correlates with transformability. Fluorescence analysis of the thermotropic lipid phase transitions in A. vinelandii and B. subtilis cells indicates that DlPbH forms an organized gel structure in the membranes which is very labile. The concentration of organized DlPbH in the membranes, estimated from the intensity of its phase transition, can be used to assess culture competence.