BACTERIOPHAGE-SPECIFIC PROTEINS IN E. COLI INFECTED WITH AN RNA BACTERIOPHAGE

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Abstract
Four phage-specific proteins were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in lysates of actinomycin-treated Escherichia coli infected with an RNA bacterio-phage. One of the proteins present in excess corresponded in mobility to the phage coat protein. A 2nd component was identified as the "RNA-protecting protein" previously inferred from genetic studies and a 3rd protein is presumed to be the RNA synthetase. The 4th protein variable in electrophoretic mobility is present in much smaller amount than the others. The "RNA-protecting protein" as well as the minor variable protein were detected in normal phage particles. Fractionation of the proteins in E. coli extracts in the presence of phage RNA as messenger showed 2 distinct minor proteins in addition to phage coat protein. The relative amounts of the minor proteins synthesized in cell extracts and in infected cells were similar. The same control mechanisms may operate in the infected cell and in cell-free extracts regulating the translation of polycistronic viral RNA.

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