CaltechTHESIS
  A Caltech Library Service

The Role of the Gene 9 Product in the Assembly and Triggering of Bacteriophage T4

Citation

Flatgaard, Jeffrey Edward (1969) The Role of the Gene 9 Product in the Assembly and Triggering of Bacteriophage T4. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5F2T-5124. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08082006-090749

Abstract

Gene 9 of phage T4 specifies a protein needed in the assembly of the virus particle, whose site of action is on the baseplate. Assembly without gene 9 product results in the production of inactive particles which lack tail fibers. These defective particles can be converted to complete active phage in vitro by the sequential action of the gene 9 product and the addition of tail fibers. Gene 9 defective particles are unstable and spontaneously convert to an aberrant "triggered" form that has a contracted sheath, but retains the DNA in the head. Action of the gene 9 product on the particle stabilizes it from converting to the triggered form, provides for DNA release when the sheath contracts during infection, and provides sites on the baseplate for the attachment of tail fibers. For the particle to be subsequently active the gene 9 product must act at least three times on the gene 9 defective particle; there is some experimental evidence to suggest that the gene 9 product may act on the particle stoichiometrically rather than catalytically. A model is proposed for the action of the gene 9 product on the particle in which six gene 9 products are incorporated into the baseplate. These components join the tail plug to the baseplate vertices such that the change which occurs in baseplate configuration during infection will eliminate the tail plug by pulling it apart. Removal of the tail plug opens the end of the core to allow DNA release. The attachment site for the tail fiber on the baseplate is proposed to be at the junction of the gene 9 product and the baseplate.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Genetics and Chemistry)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology
Major Option:Biology
Minor Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Edgar, Robert S.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:10 December 1968
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-08082006-090749
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08082006-090749
DOI:10.7907/5F2T-5124
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:3045
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:09 Aug 2006
Last Modified:26 Apr 2024 23:41

Thesis Files

[img]
Preview
PDF (Flatgaard_je_1969.pdf) - Final Version
See Usage Policy.

6MB

Repository Staff Only: item control page