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Incomplete and Aberrant Particles of Actinophage MSP2 from Lysates of Streptomyces venezuelae

^a Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Detroit, Michigan 48201

ABSTRACT

Lysates of actinophage MSP2, propagated on Streptomyces venezuelae S13, contain at least 10¹¹ PFU/ml. During purification by centrifugation methods and by adsorption chromatography, a number of types of aberrant and incomplete phage particles were seen by electron microscopy. Infectious MSP2 had a buoyant density in CsCl of 1.52 g/cm³ and an absorbance at 260 nm relative to that at 280 nm (A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀) of 1.53. Empty capsids banded at 1.276 g/cm³ and partially filled capsids banded at 1.351 g/cm³, and A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratios were 0.77 and 1.24, respectively. Two kinds of light capsids found in CsCl fractions of 1.278 g/cm³ probably include the 1.276 component. Some capsids were joined by tail-like structures. Ghosts and polyheads also were present. Aberrant particles observed by electron microscopy included two-tailed actinophage, phage with abnormal tail positions, and large-headed phage.

¹ Present Address: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, Ill. 60615.