ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a selection of protocols for experimental studies with C. glutamicum as well as an overview on plasmid vectors described for this species. The first two protocols describe alternative methods for eliciting glutamate excretion, the name-giving property of C. glutamicum. The protocols focus on basic molecular genetic techniques, which are essential prerequisites for metabolic engineering and a diversity of other studies. Most experiments can be performed within a few days except those describing targeted gene deletion and transposon mutagenesis, which require at least two weeks. Prerequisites for the successful performance of the experiments are a basic knowledge of microbiological and molecular genetic techniques, in particular of the principles of sterile handling, and basic equipment as available in microbiological laboratories and for student courses.
