Bacteriophage-induced Inhibition of Host Functions

Abstract

Degradation of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) after infection with T4 bacteriophage was studied in an endonuclease I-deficient host. The kinetics of degradation were similar to those seen in other hosts with a normal level of this enzyme. Irradiation of extracellular phage with ultraviolet (UV) destroyed the capacity of the infecting virus to induce extensive breakdown of host DNA, which was, however, converted to high-molecular-weight material. Addition of chloramphenicol to T4-infected cells provided data which can be interpreted to indicate the involvement of at least two endodeoxyribonucleases and one exodeoxyribonuclease having a high degree of specificity. A model is proposed showing the sequential action of two endodeoxyribonucleases followed by an exodeoxyribonuclease in the degradation of host DNA. The appearance of these hydrolytic enzymes requires protein synthesis. Infections leading to partial degradation only (UV-irradiated phages, gene 46 mutants) effectively inhibited the synthesis of bacterial messenger ribonucleic acid and of β-galactosidase.