Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda
Published on: October 14, 2011
Abstract:
Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10, belonging to Mukherjee's group I, gave clear plaques with surrounding halos of overall diameters varying between 1 to 4 mm when plated on a lawn of host V. cholerae OGAWA 154. It was fairly stable in the PH range 6-11. Its thermal inactivation was characterised by half lives of 39, 12, 4.5 and 1.0 minutes at 55, 60, 65 and 70 degree C respectively. The thermodynamic parameters deltaH, deltaF and deltaS were determined at these temperatures. The phange was resistant in vitro to sodium deoxycholate, trytrypsin, chloroform, robonuclease, deoxyribonuclease, Tris, Tris + EDTA, Tris + lysozyme and phosphate buffer but rapidly inactivated by sodium lauryl sulfate. Adsorption of this phage was biphasic. Intracelllular growth of the PL 163/10 phage was characterised by an eclipse period of 13 minutes, latent period of 31 minutes, rise period of 29 minutes and an average burst size of about 10 PFU/cell. This phage possessed a hexagonal head 106 plus or minus 18 x x 740 plus or minus 27 A without any tail structure.
Insights
This study characterizes Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10, detailing its plaque formation, stability, and inactivation kinetics. The phage exhibits resistance to various agents but is sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate, with specific growth and structural properties identified.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Vibrio cholerae is a significant human pathogen.
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are potential therapeutic agents.
- Characterizing specific bacteriophages is crucial for understanding their properties and potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the physical and biological properties of Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10.
- To determine the stability, inactivation parameters, and growth characteristics of the phage.
- To investigate the phage's resistance profile and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Plaque assays on V. cholerae OGAWA 154.
- Stability testing across a pH range and thermal inactivation studies.
- In vitro resistance assays against various chemical and enzymatic agents.
- Adsorption, intracellular growth, and burst size determination.
- Electron microscopy for morphological analysis.
Main Results:
- Phage PL 163/10 formed clear plaques (1-4 mm) with halos.
- The phage was stable between pH 6-11 and showed thermal inactivation with specific half-lives at elevated temperatures.
- It was resistant to multiple agents including bile salts, enzymes, and buffers, but sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Biphasic adsorption, an eclipse period of 13 min, latent period of 31 min, rise period of 29 min, and burst size of ~10 PFU/cell were observed.
- The phage has a hexagonal head (106 ± 18 x 740 ± 27 Å) and lacks a tail structure.
Conclusions:
- Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10 possesses distinct biological and physical characteristics.
- Its stability and resistance profile suggest potential for specific applications.
- The phage's unique morphology and growth parameters provide insights into its replication cycle.
Related Concept Videos
Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle
DNA Bacteriophages
Cholera

