On the Role of Pili in Transformation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Abstract
Transformation of competent, transformable N. gonorrhoeae F62 to streptomycin resistance was unaffected by antibodies directed against the pilus protein (pilin) of this organism. The pilin component of crude or purified pilus preparations, separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitorcellulose, failed to bind detectable amounts of DNA; DNA binding to other gonococcal polypeptides was observed under these conditions. Evidently, gonococcal pilin does not play a direct role in gonococcal transformation.