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Adsorption of bacteriophages phi 29 and 22a to protoplasts of Bacillus subtilis 168
Abstract:
Adsorption of bacteriophages phi 29 and 22a to protoplasts of Bacillus subtilis 168 is described. The number of binding sites on bacilli and protoplasts is determined for each phage. Bacilli and protoplasts possess roughly the same number of sites per unit area for phi 29, i.e., approximately 700 sites per bacillus. There are also approximately 700 sites per bacillus for 22a, but only about one-third as many sites per unit area on the protoplast surface. A model for phi 29 adsorption is proposed.
Insights
Bacteriophages phi 29 and 22a adsorption to Bacillus subtilis 168 was studied. Phage phi 29 showed similar binding sites on bacilli and protoplasts, while phage 22a had fewer sites on protoplasts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria.
- Understanding phage-host interactions is crucial for phage therapy and genetic engineering.
- Bacillus subtilis is a common model organism in microbiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the adsorption of bacteriophages phi 29 and 22a to Bacillus subtilis 168 cells and protoplasts.
- To determine the number of binding sites for each phage on bacterial surfaces.
- To propose a model for bacteriophage phi 29 adsorption.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption assays were performed using bacteriophages phi 29 and 22a.
- Binding site quantification on Bacillus subtilis 168 cells and protoplasts.
- Comparative analysis of phage binding site density.
Main Results:
- Both Bacillus subtilis cells and protoplasts exhibit approximately 700 binding sites per unit area for bacteriophage phi 29.
- Bacillus subtilis cells have approximately 700 binding sites per unit area for bacteriophage 22a.
- Protoplasts show about one-third the number of binding sites per unit area for bacteriophage 22a compared to intact cells.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage phi 29 adsorption is consistent across Bacillus subtilis cells and protoplasts.
- Bacteriophage 22a adsorption is significantly reduced on Bacillus subtilis protoplasts compared to intact cells.
- The findings provide insights into phage-bacterial surface interactions and inform models of phage adsorption.