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Mechanism of homospecific DNA uptake in Haemophilus influenzae transformation

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Summary

DNA uptake by competent H. influenzae cells requires the presence of a specific base sequence (uptake site) on the entering DNA duplex. This sequence is probably recognized by a receptor on the cell surface. We have examine the kinetics and stoichiometry of DNA uptake by competent cells and have shown that the results are consistent with a simple model involving: 1) reversible binding of the DNA uptake site to a cell surface receptor, 2) an irreversible step resulting in a commitment toward DNA uptake, and 3) transport of the DNA duplex into the cell. We have also shown that a competent H. influenzae cell can absorb only 4 to 8 molecules of DNA, regardless of their length. To explain this counting mechanism, we suggest that each cell has only 4 to 8 receptors and that each receptor can be used to transport only one molecule of DNA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 21205, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Robert A. Deich & Hamilton O. Smith

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  1. Robert A. Deich
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  2. Hamilton O. Smith
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Communicated by A.J. Clark

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Deich, R.A., Smith, H.O. Mechanism of homospecific DNA uptake in Haemophilus influenzae transformation. Molec. Gen. Genet. 177, 369–374 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00271475

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00271475

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