Microbiology Procedure
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Index >> Bacteriophages - Part One >> Capsid Proteins of Ff Phages

Capsid Proteins of Ff Phages


Capsid Proteins of Ff Phages
- The major capsid protein (gene VIII protein) is the B protein. It is highly hydrophobic, and has a high o(-content. The major capsid, protein units are arranged in a left handed helix of pitch 1.5 nm, with 4.5 units per turn. The protein molecules are elongated axially, and overlap like fish scales.


The molecular weight of the protein is 5,196. There are about 2,000 copies of this protein per virion. A minor protein, the A protein or gene III protein is present at one tip of the virion. The molecular weight of this protein is 56,000.


There are only one or two copies of the A protein/per virion. The protein has a role in phage adsorption, and is also involved in viral DNA replication.

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