Phenotypic mixing of host range and serological specificities in bacteriophages T2 and T4

Abstract

Crosses between h 2+ (T2 host range) and h 4+ (T4 host range) phage produce progeny which are phenotypically h 2+, h 4+, or h 2+ h 4+. The proportions of genetically h 4+ and h 2+ particles belonging to any one phenotypic class are similar. The host range and serological specificities which are controlled by one genetic locus are also linked phenotypically. It is suggested that the materials responsible for these specificities are produced in a pool and become randomly associated with the genetic material of phage during maturation.