POSSIBILITIES OF GENETIC-MODIFICATION OF STARTER BACTERIA

Following a short introduction into some essential methods of modern g ene technology, the potential of these techniques for the genetic modi fication of starter bacteria is explained. The proteolytic system of l actococci was modified by two means: Firstly, the plasmid located gene for the casein specific protease of these bacteria was integrated int o the chromosome of lactococci. In this way the gene and the correspon ding function cannot be lost any longer. Secondly, the gene for the ne utral protease of Bacillus subtilis was transferred to and expressed i n lactococci. These modified strains may be helpful for accelerated ch eese ripening.