Interspecific transformation of rifampicin resistance in the genus Bacillus

Summary Transfer of resistance to rifampicin, a genetic determinant for RNA polymerase, was tested by transformation between B. subtilis as recipient and eight other Bacillus species as DNA donors. Seven of these donors effected transformation of rifampicin as well as erythromycin resistance, and cotransfer of these linked markers was also found in the interspecific crosses. The results extend the concept of a region of gene conservation in this genus.