Replication of Bacteriophage M13

Abstract

After infection of Escherichia coli K12 strains with the single stranded DNA bacteriophage M13, between 85–95% of the intracellular parental DNA molecules are found attached to the host membrane. This attachment is not irreversible. Even in singly infected cells up to 30% of the membrane bound parental DNA molecules are released from the membrane site and transferred to progeny phages during the first hour of infection. The turnover of the membrane‐bound parental DNA depends strongly on the host system studied, indicating that this process may reflect primarily a property of the host.