Competent cells of Bacillus subtilis were transformed with DNA from gently lysed protoplasts. Significant linkages among markers separated by distances of approximately 2.3% of the total chromosome were found, which have not been detected for conventional transformation. In comparison to previous reports, enhanced plasmid transformation was observed [4.0 X 10(7) transformants per microgram DNA (one transformant per 5 X 10(4) molecules added)], when competent cells were transformed with DNA from lysed protoplasts harboring pUB110.