Abstract
Gene III protein of bacteriophage f1 is inserted into the host cell membrane where it is assembled into phage particles. A truncated form of gene III protein, encoded by a recombinant plasmid and lacking the carboxyl terminus, does not remain in the membrane but instead appears to slip through it. Fusion of a hydrophobic membrane anchor from another membrane protein, the gene VIII protein, to the truncated gene III protein (by manipulation of the recombinant plasmid) restores membrane anchoring. A model for the relationship of gene III protein with the Escherichia coli membrane is discussed.