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Published on: April 9, 2015
Induction and characterization of Pediococcus acidilactici temperate bacteriophage
1Western Dairy Center, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322-8700, USA.
Three new bacteriophages (pa97, pa40, pa42) were induced from Pediococcus acidilactici. These Pediococcus bacteriophages belong to the Siphovirdae family and indicate at least two distinct species based on DNA homology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pediococcus acidilactici are lactic acid bacteria used in food fermentation.
- Temperate bacteriophages can influence bacterial populations and fermentation processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel temperate bacteriophages from Pediococcus acidilactici.
- To determine the taxonomic relationship between newly isolated bacteriophages.
Main Methods:
- Induction of bacteriophages using Mitomycin C.
- Characterization by morphology (electron microscopy), DNA analysis (restriction digests, DNA-DNA hybridization), and protein profiling (SDS-PAGE).
Main Results:
- Three bacteriophages (pa97, pa40, pa42) were isolated and characterized.
- Morphology places them in the Siphovirdae family, group B1.
- Genome size estimated at 33-37 kb, linear, non-cohesive ends.
- Major proteins identified between 30-35 kDa; pa42 has an additional 47 kDa protein.
- DNA-DNA hybridization indicates pa40 and pa42 are homologous, but distinct from pa97.
Conclusions:
- Pediococcus acidilactici harbors at least two distinct bacteriophage species.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of bacteriophage diversity in lactic acid bacteria.
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