Hybrids of bacteriophages [lambda] and [empty set]80: A study of nonvegetative functions

Abstract

Hybrids of phages [lambda] and [empty set]80 were made by selecting for recombination between the genes for host range (h) and immunity (i). The parental origin, [lambda] or [empty set]80, of markers in the h-i region of the hybrids was determined; and the following order of markers was deduced: h(att, int) exo ([beta], N). All the genetic elements involved in the specificity of the chromosomal site of attachment of [lambda] and [empty set]80 appear to be located in the above region. The different types of hybrids obtained with respect to the genes for exonuclease and [beta] protein provide genetic evidence that exonuclease and [beta] protein are distinct polypeptides rather than polymeric forms of the same peptides.