Transformation and transfection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: effects of metal ions

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Abstract
The ability of different metal ions to promote transformation of P. aeruginosa by DNA of the plasmid RP1 was examined. CaCl2, MgCl2 and MnCl2 promoted such transformation, although at different frequencies and with the optimum response at different concentrations. Only MgCl2 promoted transfection of P. aeruginosa by the linear DNA of phage F116. CaCl2 was demonstrated to allow adsorption and entry into the cell of F116 DNA such that it became resistant to exogenous DNase, but phage production occurred only when MgCl2 was provided. Inactivation of linear phage DNA taken up in the absence of MgCl2 was observed. The transfection frequencies at various concentrations of MgCl2 were compared, and the optimum response occurred at the concentration which promoted the highest frequency of transformation by RP1 DNA.