Processing of donor DNA during Haemophilus influenzae transformation: analysis using a model plasmid system.

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Abstract
A plasmid system was used to investigate the processing of donor DNA during transformation of competent H. influenzae. Biochemical and genetic methods were used to determine that portion of a donor plasmid molecule that, on average, can become integrated into a homologous recipient plasmid during transformation. Transformation efficiency decreases linearly with donor DNA length over the range of 11-3.5 kilobase pairs. Transformation efficiency decreases exponentially with size for donor molecules less than 3.5 kilobase pairs in length. 5''-End label, but not 3''-end label, can be specifically incorporated into the resident homologous region. A model for donor processing during entry that encompasses and explains these observations is presented.