Spherical protein shell formation from an 11S subunit of bacteriophage f2

An 11S protein component obtained from specific dissociation of bacteriophage f(2) underwent a change in the state of association when dialyzed to pH 4. At low temperatures a dissociation to 5.5S subunits was observed, while at 24 degrees to 34 degrees C a 37S particle was formed. The latter particles have properties which closely resemble those expected for the RNA-free viral capsid.