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Evidence for a dual control of the initiation of host-cell lysis caused by phage lambda

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Summary

The timing of host-cell lysis by coliphage λ is controlled by two separable systems. The λS gene product acts as a positive effector of lysis while another protein, the lysis regulator, is an inhibitor of lysis. It the continuous function of the lysis regulator is interrupted in phage infected cells immediate lysis ensues. This lysis requires metabolic energy but not S gene activity. In contrast, S protein activity is stimulated by agents which uncouple and which block oxidative phosphorylation. The lysis regulator is thermolabile and several lines of evidence suggest that it may be the λrex gene product.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

    John H. Campbell

  2. Genetics Department, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia

    Barry G. Rolfe

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  1. John H. Campbell
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  2. Barry G. Rolfe
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Communicated by R. Devoret

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Campbell, J.H., Rolfe, B.G. Evidence for a dual control of the initiation of host-cell lysis caused by phage lambda. Molec. Gen. Genet. 139, 1–8 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00267990

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00267990

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