Transducing phage PBS1 and a clear-plaque type mutant PBS2 derived from PBS1 show similar growth characteristics with a relatively small burst size (23 to 24), and are related serologically. They are morphologically indistinguishable and both have a dense head of about 100 mμ in diameter and a tail about 250 mμ in length. PBS 1 is more efficient in trans-duction and its plaque-forming activity is more sensitive to ultraviolet (u.v.) irradiation than that of PBS2. The host range of the phages is limited to strains of Bacillus subtilis. All Marburg strains tested were sensitive to the lytic action of the phages. Prophages of PBS1 and PBS 2 were not u.v.-inducible and the irradiation of lysogenic cultures with a relatively high dose of u.v. radiation resulted in considerable decrease of the free phage titre. However, transducing activities of lysates treated with a high dose of u.v. radiation were not affected significantly. Organisms lysogenic either for PBS 1 or to PBS 2 were not stable and reverted to the sensitive state.
LuriaS. E., AdamsJ. N., TingR. C.1960; Transduction of lactose-utilizing ability among strains o. E. coli and S. dysenteriae and the properties of the transducing phage particles. Virology 12:348
SchaefferP.1961Étude génétique, biochimique et cytologique de la sporulation de Bacillus subtilis D.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Science, University of Paris