Transduction inStreptococcus lactis

Abstract

SummaryTransduction experiments were carried out using recipient strainStreptococcus lactisC2Ss(streptomycin-sensitive) and virulent phages prepared on donor strainStr. lactisC2Sr(streptomycin-resistant). At a high multiplicity of infection of 10, transduction to streptomycin resistance occurred at a frequency approximately 1 in 30 surviving cells and the recombinant character exhibited a delayed expression. Transduction did not occur when phages propagated onStr. lactisC2Sswere used or when phage antiserum was added to the transducing phage suspension. The transducing phage manifested an altered lytic cycle following passage through theStr. lactisC2Srdonor which rendered it incapable of reinfecting the donor but did not alter its virulence for theStr. lactisC2Ssrecipient.