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Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods
Published on: May 11, 2012
Electron microscopy of Streptococcus lactis phage plaque margins
The Journal of General Virology
|May 1, 1982
Summary
Transmission electron microscopy revealed novel mechanisms of plaque growth termination in Streptococcus lactis phages. Phage O712 and m13 plaques showed distinct structures, with margins containing plasma membranes and lysed cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria.
- Bacteriophage plaques are zones of bacterial lysis caused by phage replication.
- Understanding plaque formation and termination is crucial for phage biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of plaques formed by Streptococcus lactis phages O712 and m13.
- To elucidate the mechanism of plaque growth termination.
Main Methods:
- Ultrathin sectioning of phage plaques.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis.
Main Results:
- Clear plaque centers contained minimal cellular material.
- Turbid plaque margins were rich in plasma membranes and partially lysed bacterial cells.
- Observed cellular debris suggests a novel mechanism for halting plaque expansion.
Conclusions:
- The study identified unique ultrastructural features in Streptococcus lactis phage plaques.
- Findings suggest a previously undescribed mechanism for the termination of phage plaque growth.
