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. 1983 Oct;156(1):101–108. doi: 10.1128/jb.156.1.101-108.1983

Transformation in Bacillus subtilis: purification and partial characterization of a membrane-bound DNA-binding protein.

H Smith, K Wiersma, S Bron, G Venema
PMCID: PMC215056  PMID: 6413488

Abstract

In DNA binding-deficient mutants of Bacillus subtilis a competence-specific protein with a subunit molecular weight of 18,000 was absent. The native protein containing this subunit was purified from B. subtilis membranes by chromatography on hydroxyapatite, DEAE-cellulose, and Sephacryl S-200. This protein appeared to be complexed with a second protein of slightly lower molecular weight (17,000) and a different isoelectric point. The native protein complex (apparent molecular weight, 75,000) contained approximately equal amounts of the two polypeptides and showed a strong DNA-binding activity. Incubation of the complex with plasmid and bacteriophage DNA revealed nuclease activity, specifically directed toward double-stranded DNA. Predominantly single-stranded nicks and a limited number of double-stranded breaks were introduced in the presence of Mg2+ ions. In the presence of Mn2+ ions the complex produced low-molecular-weight breakdown products from the DNA.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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