Natural transformation as a technique for DNA detection

Natural transformation can be used for the detection of specific DNA sequences in a way that resembles PCR in several aspects. The technique is called "marker rescue transformation". The advantages compared to PCR are that unpurified crude extracts can be used, and that the assay detects the biological potential of DNA to transform cells instead of only its ability to be amplified. Using this technique, we have demonstrated the dissemination of biologically active DNA from living potato plants.

Publications:

• de Vries, J., Wackernagel, W. (1998) Detection of nptII (kanamycin resistance) genes in genomes of transgenic plants by marker-rescue transformation. Mol Gen Genet 257: 606-613.
  [Abstract] [Reprint]
  
• de Vries, J., Heine, M., Harms, K., Wackernagel, W. (2003) Spread of recombinant DNA by roots and pollen of transgenic potato plants, identified by highly specific biomonitoring using natural transformation of an Acinetobacter sp. Appl Environ Microbiol 69: 4455-4462.
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