Natural Transformation and Availability of Transforming DNA to Acinebacter calcoaceticus in Soil Microcosms

The transfer of heterologous DNA from genetically engineered organisms to indigenous microorganisms is a concern. Ecological factors influencing the transformation of Acinebacter calcoaceticus BD413 with chromosomal DNA in soil were studied using the microcosm approach. Soil type, bacterial cell den...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied and environmental microbiology 1997-05, Vol.63 (5), p.1945-1945
Main Authors: Nielsen, Kaare M, van Weerelt, Margareta DM, Berg, Trine N, Bones, Atle M, Hagler, Allen N, van Elsas, Jan D
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The transfer of heterologous DNA from genetically engineered organisms to indigenous microorganisms is a concern. Ecological factors influencing the transformation of Acinebacter calcoaceticus BD413 with chromosomal DNA in soil were studied using the microcosm approach. Soil type, bacterial cell density, time of residence of A. calcoaceticus, or of DNA in soil before transformation, transformation period, and nutrient input factors were considered. Transformation and DNA availability were inhibited by soil matrix effects. Transformation frequencies and bacterial growth were enhanced for a short time by using initially low numbers of A. calcoaceticus cells and nutrients. DNA was not available within a few hours of being introduced into soil. Other effects of soil type, physical separation of DNA and A. calcoaceticus cells, and soil sterility are reported. This strain also loses the ability to receive, stabilize, and/or express exogenous DNA soon after introduction into soil.
ISSN:0099-2240