DNA-mediated Transformation in Nostoc muscorum, a Nitrogen-fixing Cyanobacterium

Abstract

Genetic transformation of an auxotrophic valine-requiring (val) marker and a marker with resistance to p-fluorophenylalanine (fpar) as well has been demonstrated in N. muscorum. Transformation is primarily mediated by DNA and is insensitive to ribonuclease and proteinase. The kinetics of the frequency of transformation, which is dependent on the concentration of DNA, suggests a saturation phase. Transformants, though devoid of heterocysts, are aQle to grow in a medium lacking a combined nitrogen source.