[Biological activity of thiophosphamide-alkylated DNA in the transformation system of Bacillus subtilis]

DNA treated with thiophosphamide was studied for changes in its biological activity in transformation system of Bac. subtilis. DNA alkylation by this three-functional alkylating agent is shown to be followed by the reduction of transforming activity, changes in the competitive ability as well as by a decrease of the cotransfer coefficient for linked markers of transforming DNA. The observed changes in the transforming and cotransforming activities may be explained by variations in the DNA structure.