ON THE REPLICATION OF INCOMPLETE CHROMOSOMES OF PHAGE T4

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Abstract
Some small particles of phage T4 contain incomplete chromosomes measuring two thirds of the length of normal T4 chromosomes. They cannot produce progeny phage after single infection because their incomplete chromosomes lack random segments of the genetic map. We have investigated the replication of DNA following single infection with small particles. Our results indicate that approximately two thirds of the incomplete chromosomes can initiate DNA replication and apparently extend the process from a genetically fixed origin to one end of the molecule. However, few if any of the incomplete chromosomes can initiate a second round of replication. The incomplete chromosomes which do not replicate also do not attach to bacterial membranes.