Transduction in<i>Streptococcus lactis</i>

Abstract

Summary Transduction experiments were carried out using recipient strain Streptococcus lactis C 2 S s (streptomycin-sensitive) and virulent phages prepared on donor strain Str. lactis C 2 S r (streptomycin-resistant). At a high multiplicity of infection of 10, transduction to streptomycin resistance occurred at a frequency approximately 1 in 30 surviving cells and the recombinant character exhibited a delayed expression. Transduction did not occur when phages propagated on Str. lactis C 2 S s were used or when phage antiserum was added to the transducing phage suspension. The transducing phage manifested an altered lytic cycle following passage through the Str. lactis C 2 S r donor which rendered it incapable of reinfecting the donor but did not alter its virulence for the Str. lactis C 2 S s recipient.