[Transformation of competent Bacillus subtilis cells by chromosomal and plasmid DNA incorporated in liposomes]

Transformation with chromosomal and plasmid DNAs comprised in liposomes of different compositions was studied on competent cells of Bacillus subtilis. Transformation with chromosomal DNA comprised in liposomes appeared to constitute 1.1 to 1.5% of the control, and transformation with plasmid DNA in liposomes reaches 8 to 11%, as compared to the control. It has been revealed that absorbtion of chromosomal or plasmid DNA comprised in liposomes by competent cells is 1-2 orders higher than that of chromosomal or plasmid DNAs which are not contained in liposomes. Besides, chromosomal DNA in liposomes was found to be transferred to competent cells in the double-stranded form, while during common transformation without liposomes, the DNA transferred is single-stranded.