Molecular Cloning of $\beta$-Galactosidase from Bacillus subtilis HP-4

A gene coding for a $\beta$-galactosidase of Bacillus subtilis HP-4 was cloned in E. coli JM109 by inserting HindIII digested fragment of B. subtilis HP-4 chromosomal DNA into the site of pBR322 and selecting recombinant transformant showing blue color on X-gal plate. The recombinant plasmid, named pBG109, was found to contain the 1.4 Kbp HindIII fragment originated from B. subtilis HP-4 chromosomal DNA by Southern hybridization. The cloned gene was stably maintained and expressed in E. coli JM109 and the pBG109 encoded $\beta$-galactosidase had the same enzymatic properties as those of $\beta$-galactosidase produced by B. subtilis HP-4.