Factors Influencing Lysis Time Stochasticity in Bacteriophage λ
Author Information
Author(s): John J. Dennehy, Ing-Nang Wang
Primary Institution: University at Albany
Hypothesis
The timing of host lysis by bacteriophage λ is influenced by allelic variation in the holin sequence, late promoter activity, and host growth rate.
Conclusion
A large fraction of λ lysis time stochasticity is due to random events following the expression and diffusion of the holin protein.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean lysis time for the wild-type λ phage was 65.1 min, with individual lysis times ranging from 45.4 to 74.5 min.
- Lower pR' activities and lower host growth rates resulted in larger standard deviations in lysis times.
- Adding KCN at different time points showed a negative correlation between the timing of KCN addition and lysis time stochasticity.
Takeaway
Even though the bacteria are the same, they can burst open at different times because of tiny differences in their genes and how fast they grow.
Methodology
Individual lysis events were observed using a temperature-controlled perfusion chamber mounted on an inverted microscope.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific strains and conditions, which may not represent all bacteriophage interactions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0133
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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