A transformation method yielding up to 10(4) transformants per μg circular DNA was developed for Thermoplasma acidophilum. The method is based on a natural DNA uptake process in which T. acidophilum cells keep their integrity and turn competent at pH 3.5 and 58°C. Shuttle vector maintenance could not be detected, since the used Nov(R) gyraseB gene integrated into its chromosomal counterpart by homologous recombination.
Keywords: Archaea; Homologous recombination; Novobiocin; Plasmid; Thermoplasma acidophilum; Transformation.
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