Effects of bacteriophage traits on plaque formation
2011

Effects of Bacteriophage Traits on Plaque Formation

Sample size: 8 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gallet Romain, Kannoly Sherin, Wang Ing-Nang

Primary Institution: University at Albany

Hypothesis

How do different bacteriophage traits influence the formation of plaques?

Conclusion

The study found that adsorption rate negatively impacts plaque size, productivity, and phage concentration, while an optimal lysis time exists for maximizing plaque size.

Supporting Evidence

  • The adsorption rate negatively impacts plaque size and productivity.
  • There is an optimal lysis time that maximizes plaque size.
  • Virion morphology affects plaque size.
  • Some mathematical models can qualitatively capture the results but not quantitatively.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different traits of viruses that infect bacteria affect the size and number of clear spots they create on a plate. It found that some traits help make bigger spots, while others do the opposite.

Methodology

The researchers constructed isogenic λ phages differing in adsorption rate, lysis timing, and morphology to measure their effects on plaque properties.

Limitations

The study's findings may not apply to all phage types or conditions outside the controlled laboratory environment.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

± 95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2180-11-181

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