Conjugal Transfer of Immunity to Phage Multiplication in Escherichia coli K-12

Abstract

SUMMARY: The transfer of a cytoplasmic component from λ-lysogenic F+ to non-lysogenic F- cells of Escherichia coli K-12 was demonstrated; similar transfer from λ-lysogenic Hfr to non-lysogenic F- cells was not detected. The component transferred confers on the recipient cell temporary immunity against maturation of the bacteriophage λ. The relevance of these observations to the mechanism of conjugation is discussed.