CHROMATIN STAINING OF BACTERIA DURING BACTERIOPHAGE INFECTION

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Abstract
Cytological observation of Escherichia coli strain B stained for chromatin during bacteriophage infection reveals changes specific for different phages. Disruption of the chromatinic bodies of normal bacteria by phages of the T-even groups is followed by swelling and filling up with granular chromatin (phage nucleo-protein?) if the phage is active, by fading away of the chromatin if the phage is inactivated by u.-v. light. Other phages, when u.-v. inactivated, still cause an accumulation of chromatin. Increase in material with the u. -v. absorption properties of nucleic acid was found by spectrophotometric analysis of infected bacteria to take place following infection with either active or irradiated phage. No active phage could be obtained by sonic disruption of bacteria infected with inactive phage.