The Journal of Biological Physics and Chemistry

2004

Volume 4, Number 1, p. 2-6

T. Mdzinarashvili1, A. Ivanova1, M. Khvedelidze1, M. Tediashvili2, D. Tushishvili2, N. Janelidze2 and G. Mrevlishvili 1


1 Iv. Javakhishvili State University of Tbilisi, 3, Chavchavadze Ave, 0128 Tbilisi, Georgia
2 Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage, Microbiology and Virology, 3 Gotua Street, 0160 Tbilisi, Georgia

Phage DNA ejection induced by membrane fragments obtained from a host cell

Membrane fragments from E.coli bacteria with an unbroken receptor system on which Un phage particles were adsorbed were obtained using an ultrasound method (sonication). No DNA ejection from the phage occurred. When free amino acids were added to the mixture of phage and fragments of the bacterial membrane, then the DNA ejection process began. It is shown that the process of ejection occurs as a triple complex of phage, bacterial membrane fragments, and amino acids depending upon the hydrophobicity of the amino acid. The more hydrophobic the amino acid, the more rapidly the DNA ejection process progresses.

Keywords: adsorption, bacteriophage, ejection, membrane fragments, ultrasound

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