In this article we will discuss about the structure of phage M13. M13 (or f1) phage is a filamentous phage that shows entirely alpha-helical in structure so that the molecule forms a short rod. The helical capsid is simplest measuring about 900 nm long and 9 nm in diameter. M13 is encapsulated in about 2700 copies of the major coat [...]
In this article we will discuss about the structure of bacteriophage. Bacteriophage ØX174 belongs to the genus Micro virus of the family Microviridae from the Group II (ssDNA Viruses). The bacteriophage ØX174 was discovered by R.L. Sinsheimer at California Institute of Technology. It is one of the ssDNA phages of E.coli which has been most extensively studied. The phage particles [...]
In this article we will discuss about the life cycle of phage M13. M13 uses the F pilus of E. coli to infect the cell. Protein pill located on the tip of M13 contacts the TolA protein located on the pilus of host cell. This interaction causes a conformational change in pVIlI from 100% alpha-helix to 85% alpha-helix resulting in [...]