Index >> Bacterial Recombination >> Binding

Binding - DNA comes into contact with the bacterial cell surface as a result of random collision. Donor DNA first binds reversibly, and can be removed by exposure to DNase or extensive washing. This reversible binding period is very short; sometimes ­lasting just 4-5 seconds. The binding then becomes irreversible or permanent. DNA binds to the cell surface at several receptor sites which appear to be associated with the mesosomes