Control of gene expression in P2-related coliphages: the in vitro transcription pattern of coliphage 186

Transcription in vitro of coliphage 186 DNA generated four transcripts. The most abundant transcript was that of the late control gene B and an equivalent transcript was identified for the closely related phage P2. A second transcript was from the rightward promoter at 75% and predicted to be under CI repressor control. The remaining two transcripts initiated from the one promoter located at 95% and are apparently under LexA control in vivo. The significance of these transcripts is discussed in relation to coliphage 186.