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TRANSDUCTION OF BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS AND BACILLUS SUBTILIS BY EACH OF TWO PHAGES

M J TAYLOR, C B THORNE

    Journal of Bacteriology
    |September 1, 1963
    PubMed

    Insights

    Two bacteriophages, SP-10 and SP-15, were studied for their ability to transduce Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis. SP-15 showed more efficient transduction in Bacillus licheniformis compared to SP-10.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Bacteriology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and can be used in genetic transfer studies.
    • Transduction is a process where bacteriophages transfer genetic material from one bacterium to another.
    • Understanding phage-bacterial interactions is crucial for genetic engineering and microbial research.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To isolate and characterize a new transducing bacteriophage, SP-15.
    • To compare the transduction capabilities of SP-15 with a previously identified phage, SP-10.
    • To investigate the efficiency and specificity of transduction in Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of bacteriophages from soil samples.
    • Serological characterization of bacteriophages.
    • Propagation of bacteriophages on specific bacterial strains.
    • Assessing plaque formation and lytic activity.
    • Quantifying transduction efficiency using auxotrophic mutants.
    • Investigating the effect of phage antiserum on transduction recovery.
    • Evaluating the influence of multiplicity of infection.

    Main Results:

    • A second transducing bacteriophage, SP-15, was isolated and found to differ serologically from SP-10.
    • Both SP-10 and SP-15 could propagate on Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, mediating general transduction.
    • Transduction attempts between the two bacterial species were unsuccessful.
    • SP-15 showed higher transduction efficiency in Bacillus licheniformis than SP-10.
    • Neither phage efficiently transduced Bacillus licheniformis compared to Bacillus subtilis.
    • SP-15 did not transduce a specific Bacillus subtilis strain (168 indole(-)) when propagated on a different strain.

    Conclusions:

    • SP-15 is a distinct transducing bacteriophage with specific properties for Bacillus species.
    • The efficiency of transduction varies between phage-bacterial host combinations.
    • Phage-specific antiserum can influence transduction recovery rates.
    • Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying differential transduction efficiencies.
    Keywords:
    BACILLUSBACILLUS SUBTILISBACTERIOPHAGE

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