Evaluation of the interaction of phi X174 gene products E and K in E-mediated lysis of Escherichia coli

Abstract

Gene K of bacteriophage phi X174 was cloned, and its gene product was localized in the cell envelope of Escherichia coli. Compared with the sole expression of the phi X174 lysis gene E, the simultaneous expression of the K and E genes had no effect on scheduling of cell lysis. Therefore, a direct interaction of proteins E and K could be excluded. In contrast, phi X174 infection of a host carrying a plasmid expressing gene K resulted in a delayed lysis and an apparent increase in phage titer.