Expression of T4 early genes 62, 44, 45 and 46 in the lambda-T4 recombinant phage lambda 806-17

A lambda-T4 recombinant phage, lambda 806-17, which carries the T4 early genes 62, 44, 45 and 46, was studied inside a homoimmune lysogen. Under such conditions, gene expression from the lambda promoters is represented. Results showed extensive expression of gene 46, and significant expression of genes 62 and 45. The expression of these early T4 genes is presumed to depend on T4 promoters included in the cloned fragment. A new promoter proximal to gene 46 is implicated. The results also indicate that the extent of gene expression, in terms of complementation, increases with the time allowed for expression.