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Induction, purification and some properties of phage tail-like particles from Myxococcus coralloides D
Abstract:
Myxococcus coralloides D was lysogenic for a defective prophage. The particles of the defective bacteriophage could be induced by ultraviolet light and mitomycin C, but the particles did not appear in the supernatants, unless the cells were lysed with chloroform. The phage tails were purified by using a two-phase separation method, ultracentrifugation, chromatography through Sepharose 4B, treatment with chloroform, dialysis and centrifugation on a sucrose gradient. The chemical analysis of the purified samples revealed that the phage tails contained only proteins, neither DNA nor RNA. The different parts of the phage tails (sheath, core and baseplate) did not have the same sensitivity to the chemical and physical agents which were assayed.
Insights
Myxococcus coralloides D harbors a defective bacteriophage. Purified phage tails contained only proteins, lacking DNA or RNA, and showed varied sensitivities to agents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Myxococcus coralloides D harbors a defective prophage.
- Prophage induction is achievable via UV light and mitomycin C.
- Phage particle release requires cell lysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the composition and properties of defective bacteriophage tails from Myxococcus coralloides D.
- To investigate the structural components of the phage tails.
Main Methods:
- Induction of defective bacteriophage particles.
- Purification of phage tails using multi-step techniques including phase separation, ultracentrifugation, chromatography (Sepharose 4B), chloroform treatment, dialysis, and sucrose gradient centrifugation.
- Chemical analysis of purified phage tails.
Main Results:
- Defective bacteriophage particles were induced but not released into supernatants without chloroform lysis.
- Purified phage tails consisted solely of proteins, with no detectable DNA or RNA.
- Different phage tail components (sheath, core, baseplate) exhibited differential sensitivity to tested chemical and physical agents.
Conclusions:
- The defective bacteriophage of Myxococcus coralloides D produces protein-only tails.
- The structural components of the phage tails possess distinct biochemical properties.