How do bacteria take up DNA fragments?
Many bacteria can actively take up DNA fragments from their environment; this is an evolved ability, not the artificial permeabilization typically used for experiments with E. coli. Many of the genes and regulatory mechanisms controlling DNA uptake are known, but there has been little consideration of the physical problems of transporting a relatively stiff and highly charged rod or circle through two hydrophobic membranes. I will discuss these problems and describe some of the ways my lab plans to investigate them.
