Bacillus subtilis Phage φ 29 Characterization of Gene Products and Functions

Abstract
A total of 22 [phage] .PHI.29-induced proteins were resolved by slab gel electrophoresis; 2 of them are the precursor and product fragment, respectively, in the synthesis of the neck appendage protein. The protein products of 10 of the 17 cistrons detected in the phage genome were identified. Mutants in 2 other cistrons fail to synthesize 2 proteins. Mutants in 6 genes do not synthesize phage DNA. A cistron probably involved in the final lysis of the infected bacteria B. subtilis was found. Mutants in this gene give place, under restrictive conditions, to delayed lysis and produce, after artificial lysis, a burst size similar or higher than that obtained after wild-type phage infection.