DNA binding and deoxyribonuclease activity in Bacillus subtilis during temperature-induced competence development.

Rapid development of competence can be induced in cultures of Bacillus subtilis by incubation at 37 degrees C after previous growth at 42 degrees C. This temperature-induced competence was accompanied by an increase in DNA binding capacity and breakdown of donor DNA. Inhibition of protein synthesis prevented the rapid increase of competence. This is probably due to the inhibition of de novo synthesis of a constituent that enables the bacteria to bind DNA.