[Comparative study of plasmid transformation in competent cells and protoplasts of Bacillus subtilis]

The effect of different factors which inhibit transformation with chromosomal DNA on plasmid transformation of competent cells and protoplasts was examined. The treatment with EDTA, dinitrophenol, CdCl2 and different temperature shifts affects significantly less plasmid transformation of protoplasts than plasmid and chromosomal transformation of competent cells. These data point out the different mechanisms of DNA uptake by competent cells and protoplasts.