The Presence of Short DNA Chains in φX174 RF II in the Late Phase of Infection

Abstract

In the late phase of φX174 infection, DNA was pulse-labeled and the incorporated label in RF II was chased. In resting RF II as well as active RF II there existed short DNA chains smaller than one-unit length of a linear φX174 DNA. The molecular sizes varied from 5 to 12 s as scdimented through sucrose gradients in alkaline conditions. Possible mechanisms of synthesis of φX174 progeny DNA are discussed.