Nucleotide sequence of the rightward operator of phage lambda.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Virology

Background:

• Bacteriophage lambda's rightward operator (O-R) is essential for regulating viral gene expression.
• Understanding O-R sequence and repressor interactions is key to phage biology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the precise DNA sequence of the bacteriophage lambda O-R.
• To identify specific repressor binding sites within the O-R.
• To present novel, rapid direct DNA sequencing methods.

Main Methods:

• Direct DNA sequencing of a 72 base pair fragment.
• Analysis of a specific operator mutant sequence.
• Application of simple and rapid sequencing techniques.

Main Results:

• The complete 72 base pair sequence of the bacteriophage lambda O-R was elucidated.
• The sequence of an operator mutant was determined.
• Three putative lambda phage repressor binding sites within the O-R were identified.

Conclusions:

• The established DNA sequencing methods are efficient for fragments up to 50 base pairs.
• The identified sites represent key recognition elements for the lambda phage repressor.
• This work provides a foundational sequence for further studies on bacteriophage lambda gene regulation.