Effect of sera on transfection Bacillus subtilis.

The effect of normal human, rabbit and cow sera, SP50 phage antiserum and the albumin and globulin fractions of normal rabbit serum on transfection of Bacillus subtilis 168 ind was studied. All the sera reduced to varying degrees the efficiency of the process within 60 min. from infection of the culture. None of the sera, except for the antiphage serum, influenced the further course of the process. The albumin fraction of normal rabbit serum otherwise than the globulin fraction, was found to stimulate transfection. The effect of the sera on transfection was influenced by the composition of the media.