The Mu chromosome is a linear duplex molecule of about 36,000-38,000 base pairs. It bas neither cohesive ends nor terminally repititious sequences, and in these respects contrasts with A, PI, P2 and P22 phages.
The heterogenous ends of the chromosome consist of host DNA, and differ in their sequences from molecule to molecule. One end of the chromosome is caned the c-end and the other end the s-end.
The c-end contains about 100 host base pairs and the S-end about 1,500 base pairs.At the left end is the immunity locus c.
The Bu gene is located between A and B. It is defined by a class of amber mutations. Bu amber mutations have more killing expression than B amber mutations.
The A-Bu-B functions are expressed early in the lytic cycle. Mutants are defective in DNA replication.
The IY8 gene is located between C and D. It is concerned with the lysis of host cells during Mu growth.
Genes D-J are involved in head formation. The H gene is located between genes G and 1.
Genes K-S are involved in tail formation. The tail gene S is found within the G segment. Genes 0, P may actually define one gene.
