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. 1991 Jun;173(12):3911–3913. doi: 10.1128/jb.173.12.3911-3913.1991

Species-specific uptake of DNA by gonococci is mediated by a 10-base-pair sequence.

C Elkins 1, C E Thomas 1, H S Seifert 1, P F Sparling 1
PMCID: PMC208026  PMID: 1904861

Abstract

Piliated Neisseria gonorrhoeae are known to be transformed less readily if transforming DNA competes with DNA containing the 10-bp sequence GCCGTCTGAA. It has been postulated that the 10-bp sequence is a recognition sequence which is required for efficient DNA uptake. We show that the presence of various forms of this 10-bp sequence results in increased uptake of double-stranded DNA into a DNase-resistant state and allows genetic transformation by an otherwise nontransformable plasmid.

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Selected References

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