[New type of DNA structural organization in the composition of bacteriophage Sb-1 particles]

Spectrophotometric melting and chemical modification procedures were used for comparative study of parameters of DNA structure in particles of phages Sb-1 and FI-5 possessing spherical symmetry of the heads. Like in other phages of this morphological group, some part of DNA structure in FI-5 phage particles is disarrayed and has changed reactive capacity of basic aminogroups. Another type of DNA structural organization in situ was found with staphylococcal phage Sb-1. According to the results of melting process and pattern of interaction with 4.5% formaldehyde, DNA in particles of this phage throughout had base stacking. Basic aminogroups of DNA in situ are most likely completely involved in intramolecular complementary interactions and are not subjected to oximethylation under reaction conditions.