Principle Features of Transformation

Lauren Welker Biology 302

Dr. Hope Johnson

1. DNA in the cell’s environment binds to the cell surface at several sites.

2. One strand enters the cell, the other is destroyed by a transformation specific nuclease.

Bound DNA is nicked and cut.

3. Single Stranded DNA is coated with DNA binding proteins to protect it from nucleases.

3. The entering DNA displaces an existing strand forming a heteroduplex

** side notes**

- If single stranded DNA is homologous to the cell’s DNA, homologous recombination can occur.

- Only transforming DNA that is closely related to the recipient’s DNA is capable of transforming because it must be able to hybridize with DNA of recipient’s genome.

THE END.