Genetic transformation in Escherichia coli K12.

An auxotrophic strain of E. coli K12 treated with CaCl(2) was transformed for several markers at a frequency of up to 10(-6) per recipient cell by a DNA preparation isolated from a prototrophic strain. The transforming activity of the DNA preparation was eliminated by treatment with DNase, heat, or sonication, whereas RNase or Pronase treatment had little effect. Two closely linked genetic markers (leu and ara) showed a high degree of cotransformation linkage when high molecular weight DNA was used, but the linkage was almost completely eliminated when sheared, smaller molecular weight DNA was used. There is genetic evidence that the transformation is a result of the replacement of the preexisting genetic marker on the chromosome by that of the donor DNA.