Open AccessInfection of Escherichia coli by T2 and T4 Bacteriophages as Seen in the Electron Microscope: T4 Head Morphogenesis
Author(s) -
Lee D. Simon
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.69.4.907
Subject(s) - bacteriophage , escherichia coli , electron microscope , morphogenesis , protoplasm , capsid , head (geology) , biology , dna , membrane , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , biophysics , cytoplasm , genetics , physics , optics , paleontology
Bacteriophage T4 capsids seem to be assembled onE. coli protoplasmic membranes. This process seems to involve “lumps” of head protein, which convert to τ particles, which in turn give rise to empty heads. The empty heads leave the bacterial membrane and are then filled with DNA in the central region of the cell. T4 gene 16 and 17 products appear to be necessary for head filling.