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The B. mycoides N host-virus system. III. Release of phage from the lysogenic strain

B S BAER, A P KRUEGER

    The Journal of General Physiology
    |May 1, 1952
    PubMed

    Insights

    Lysogenic bacteria cultures, like Bacillus mycoides N, contain both potential and producer cells. Producers are more abundant in B. mycoides N, indicating a strong viral influence.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Bacteriology
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Lysogenic bacteria harbor bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria.
    • The release of bacteriophages from lysogenic cells is a critical aspect of the host-parasite relationship.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To elucidate the mechanism of bacteriophage release from the lysogenic strain Bacillus mycoides N.
    • To compare the phage release dynamics in B. mycoides N with other known lysogenic systems.

    Main Methods:

    • Culturing of lysogenic Bacillus mycoides N.
    • Quantitative analysis of bacterial and phage populations using colony counts and plaque assays.
    • Incubation of lysogenic cells in nutrient broth to monitor phage output over time.

    Main Results:

    • Lysogenic B. mycoides N cultures exhibit a slower growth rate compared to non-lysogenic cultures.
    • Colony counts were significantly lower than plaque or filament counts in washed suspensions.
    • Phage output increased in cultures with a high number of tubes containing small numbers of lysogenic cells after incubation.

    Conclusions:

    • The lysogenic population of B. mycoides N comprises "potential" and "producer" cells, similar to other lysogenic systems.
    • Quantitatively, producer cells are more prevalent in B. mycoides N cultures, especially in the initial hours.
    • The host-parasite balance in B. mycoides N favors the virus, leading to increased phage release.
    Keywords:
    BACTERIOPHAGEBACTERIUM

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