Electrotransformation of Streptococci

The streptococci are a diverse genus of bacteria consisting of commensal and pathogenic organisms of human and veterinary origin, as well as industrially important species. Although many of the species are naturally transformable, several species do not enter a competent state. The ability to introduce exogenous DNA into these organisms is important in establishing genetic linkages to virulence and pathogenicity factors in some species, and the ability to stabilize or improve other phenotypic traits in other species.