Evidence for bacteriophage T7 tail extension during DNA injection
2008
Bacteriophage T7 Tail Lengthening During DNA Injection
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Philip Serwer, Elena T. Wright, Kevin W. Hakala, Susan T. Weintraub
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Hypothesis
Does the tail of bacteriophage T7 lengthen during DNA injection into host cells?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that the tail of bacteriophage T7 can lengthen enough to reach the host cytoplasm during DNA injection.
Supporting Evidence
- Electron microscopy revealed a needle-like extension that likely represents the lengthened tail of bacteriophage T7.
- The extension is long enough to reach the host cytoplasm and has a channel suitable for DNA injection.
- The study suggests that internal proteins may help lengthen the tail during the injection process.
Takeaway
Bacteriophage T7 has a tail that can stretch to inject its DNA into bacteria, which helps it infect them.
Methodology
Electron microscopy was used to visualize the tail extension of bacteriophage T7 during DNA injection.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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