[Plasmid SCP2 transfer by Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) actinophages]

The ability of VP5 and phi c31 actinophages of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) to transfer plasmid SCP2 genes was tested. Infection with both phages led to formation of variants having the traits characteristics of plasmid bearing strains. The fertility properties of the variants suggested the presence of SCP2 in the autonomous state. Analysis of extrachromosomal DNA isolated from these variants demonstrated its identity with the plasmid DNA from the donor strain. Based on characteristics of the variants obtained, it was suggested that the whole SCP2 plasmid had been transferred by actinophages via general transduction.