Full text loading...
Abstract
Summary: Apple pectin in a complex organic medium partly protected Escherichia coli strain B from lysis by T2 phage. It was not bactericidal or virucidal. The rate of adsorption of the phage was unaltered, but part of the initially adsorbed phage could be eluted with distilled water at 0°, as the second irreversible step of adsorption was inhibited by pectin. It was shown in one-step growth and single cell burst experiments that phage multiplication was reduced. The release of any formed phage from the host was not affected. The protective effect of the pectin resulted from the failure of some of the phage particles to penetrate into the host cell and from its action in decreasing phage synthesis in those cells where penetration did take place. It is suggested that this non-specific polysaccharide may exert its protective action because of its polymeric electrolyte nature.
- Published Online: