Fusion of spheroplasts and genetic recombination of Zymomonas mobilis.

Abstract

Spheroplasts of Zymomonas mobilis (Z-6) were prepared by cultivating it in a hypertonic medium containing penicillin G or glycine at 30°C for more than 6 hr. The reversion of Spheroplasts to a bacillary form was observed at frequencies of 10-2 to 10-3 when Spheroplasts were incubated on hypertonic solid agar plates overlaid with soft agar. Spheroplast fusion was attempted with polyethylene glycol 6000 by crossing two mutants lacking the ability to ferment sugars. Fusants were selected, and obtained at high frequencies. The properties of a stable fusant are discussed.