Membrane potential of E. coli recipient cells determines the rate of linear transport of DNA during conjugation

The rate of conjugal DNA transport from donor to recipient cells has been shown to depend on the membrane potential (delta psi) value in the DNA recipient cell. On the other hand, delta psi in the DNA donor cells is required for the formation of stable aggregates of conjugating cells, but not for the RNA transport. Both components of the electrochemical proton gradient on the cytoplasmic membrane of the recipient cells, the delta psi and the pH gradient are equivalent in the conjugal process.