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. 1979 May;37(5):1025–1030. doi: 10.1128/aem.37.5.1025-1030.1979

Isolation and characterization of a bacteriophage specific for Sphaerotilus natans which contain an unusual base in its deoxyribonucleic acid.

V Winston, T L Thompson
PMCID: PMC243342  PMID: 485135

Abstract

A bacteriophage was isolated specific for Sphaerotilus natans, an organism for which bacteriophages have not been previously described. This phage (designated SN1) was found to infect both the single-cell (S-type) and filamentous (R-type) forms of the host, although the sheath appeared to provide R-type cells with a degree of physical protection from infection. SN1 had a hexagonal head and a long flexible tail resembling most closely the phages in Bradley's group B. The nucleic acid was found to be deoxyribonucleic acid and contained an unusual base which substituted for 35% of the guanine. Deoxyribonucleic acid base composition was 56% cytosine plus guanine.

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Selected References

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