Abstract
RECENT studies have revealed that the packaging of DNA into phage heads is an ordered sequence of structural and biochemical events rather than a simple, spontaneous self-assembly of component molecules. In the assembly of T7 for example1, heads containing the products of genes 8–10 and 14–16 are apparently formed first. Gene 9 protein is removed from the heads before or during the incorporation of DNA. At least two other gene products which play no direct structural role are required for the maturation of the heads. A somewhat similar situation exists for phage λ, which has been shown to require ATP for the in vitro packaging of DNA into preformed heads (petite λ)2.
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GOSULE, L., SCHELLMAN, J. Compact form of DNA induced by spermidine. Nature 259, 333–335 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259333a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259333a0
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