Abstract
Transformation of genetic traits by extracellular DNA was found in several mutants of Bacillus sublilis Marburg. The mutant strains acted as donors as well as recipients of transformation except for strain S8OTi which mainly acted as a donor. The donor activity of a strain was not correlated directly with its recipient activity. The cells released DNA most abundantly in the fast-growing phase and majority of the released DNA was found in the non-filtrable fraction. The DNA in the non-filtrable fraction yielded a large number of single and double transformants. Mechanism of this transformation by the non-filtrable DNA was discussed.
