Abstract
The properties of seven defective-lysogenic strains derived from Escherichia coli K12(λ) have been studied. All can be induced to lysis by UV (ultraviolet) irradiation, but only 10 −3 to 10 −8 of the induced bacteria produce active phages. Although electron microscopical examination of lysates of defective-lysogenic strains reveals no morphologically complete phages, it demonstrates that each induced bacterium produces phage-related structures: in four of the strains about 100 empty heads and 100 tails per induced bacterium are found, while three of the strains produce only about 100 empty heads per cell. In lysates of active-lysogenic strain K12(λ) the same phage-related structures are found in the same amount, in addition to morphologically complete phages. All seven strains synthesize serum-blocking material after induction. Superinfection of UV-induced defective-lysogenic bacteria with active phage λ permits each cell producing active phages to produce also, by cooperation, defective phage particles. The defective phages are unable to form plaques but are able to lysogenize sensitive bacteria, making them defective-lysogenic.
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