The reversible transition of certain genes inStaphylococcus aureusbetween the integrated and the extra-chromosomal state

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Abstract
It is already well established inEscherichia colithat certain genes, or groups of genes, can behave as episomes—that is, they can undergo a free transition between the fully extrachromosomal state and one in which they are integrated in the bacterial chromosome (Jacob & Wollman, 1961; Broda, Beckwith & Scaife, 1964). Although this type of behaviour has been detected commonly among members of the enteric bacteria, it has never hitherto been demonstrated clearly in a Gram-positive species. This communication shows that a reversible transition of certain genes between the extrachromosomal and the integrated state can occur in some strains ofStaphylococcus aureusat least.