GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

19. BACTERIAL GENETICS: STABILITY, VARIATION, AND TRAIT TRANSMISSION

19.3. TRAIT TRANSMISSION AND GENETIC RECOMBINATION

19.3.8. Protoplast fusion

The protoplast fusion method for obtaining recombinant DNAs was first applied to Cell cultures about 30 years ago. Later, this method of genetic recombination was also tested on Bacteria, primarily Gram-positive ones (Streptococcus, Bacillus). The Essence of the method is that protoplasts are obtained from parental Cells and induced to fuse by Treatment with polyethylene glycol. Under specific experimental conditions, the fused protoplasts regenerate into morphologically complete cells (possessing a Cell wall), which yield stable recombinants exhibiting characteristics of both parental cells.

Unlike DNA transfer mechanisms such as conjugation, Transduction, and transformation, in which DNA is transferred exclusively in a unidirectional manner (from donor to recipient), The transfer of Genetic information via protoplast fusion is not unidirectional.



Last update: 12/08/2026

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