Sol H. Goodgal

Incorporation of phage DNA on lysogenization of Shigella dysenteriae

Abstract Shigella dysenteriae lysogenized by phage P1 under conditions of single infection was found to incorporate almost all the 32 P DNA of the phage into a stable bacterial DNA component. Bacteria infected with more than one phage retain DNA equivalent to only one phage per cell. Super-infection of lysogenic Sh(P1) by 32 P labeled phage P1 results in the retention by the cells of only 10–30% of the label. These results indicate that the DNA of the phage P1 is specifically involved in the formation of prophage material. During the lytic cycle of growth parent to progeny transfer of 32 P of the order of 90% may occur.