On the mechanism of genetic transfer during conjugation ofEscherichia coli

Abstract

It seems likely that the transfer of genetic material observed upon mating of male strains of Escherichia coZi K12 is due to (or is at least concomitant with) a particular replication of the donor DNA. The detailed mechanism of genetic transfer is discussed in the light of different, recently published experimental results.Although these data do not lead to a clear and definite conclusion at the present time, some points are now clearly established:( 1 ) The DNA molecules transferred and recovered after mating…