Studies of the Lysogenic Response as a Function of Multiplicity of Infection of Lambdoid Bacteriophages

Author

Mark Floyd Fedyk, Eastern Illinois University

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1979

Thesis Director

Kandy D. Baumgardner

Abstract

The lambdoid bacteriophages λimm^λ, λimm⁴³⁴ and λcI are ideal subjects for the study of gene product interactions at the molecular level due to their closely related genetic makeup. Previous work in this laboratory has indicated the possibility that phage λimm is sensitive to phage λimm⁴³⁴cI gene product and that phage λimm⁴³⁴ is sensitive to phage λimm^λcI gene product. The purpose of this research was to determine if the frequency of lysogeny for phage λimm^λ is affected by the multiplicity of coinfection with the λimm⁴³⁴ phage. By comparing the graph of the frequency of lysogeny versus multiplicity of infection for λimm^λ alone with the graph of the frequency of lysogeny versus multiplicity of infection for λimm^λ coinfected with λimm⁴³⁴ it is possible to determine whether the lysogenic response of λimm^λ utilizes the cI gene product of phage λimm⁴³⁴. The results of this study demonstrate clearly that λimm⁴³⁴ has no multiplicity of infection - dependent effect upon the ability of λimm^λ to enter the lysogenic state. The combined results of the present study and previous work in this laboratory suggest that although the cI gene of one phage does appear to influence the reproduction of the other, the effect does not involve the primary function of cI, that is, initiation of lysogeny. This suggests that the cI gene could possibly have other functions besides producing repressor protein.

Recommended Citation

Fedyk, Mark Floyd, "Studies of the Lysogenic Response as a Function of Multiplicity of Infection of Lambdoid Bacteriophages" (1979). Masters Theses. 3154.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/3154