Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda
Published on: October 14, 2011
Evolution of a Lytic Bacteriophage via DNA Acquisition from the Lactococcus lactis Chromosome
S Moineau1, S Pandian, T R Klaenhammer
1Department of Food Science and Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7624.
Abstract:
We discovered a phage-host interaction in which the lytic phage ul36, in response to pressure exerted by an abortive phage resistance mechanism, acquired a large DNA fragment from the chromosome of Lactococcus lactis NCK203 to form a new phage, ul37. Phage ul37 was characterized at morphological, phenotypic, and genotypic levels and was found to be a member of the P335 species. Although it exhibits a high level of DNA homology with ul36, phage ul37 is resistant to the abortive mechanism and has a longer tail, a different base plate, and apparently a different origin of replication. The chromosomal DNA implicated in the formation of new phage ul37 was disrupted by site-specific integration in NCK203. This strategy prevented the appearance of ul37 during subsequent infections with ul36.
Related Concept Videos
Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
DNA Bacteriophages
Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle
Transduction

