Index >> Bacteriophages - Part One >> Tail Assembly - Base Plate of Phage T4

Tail Assembly - Base Plate of Phage T4 - .

At least 21 genes are required for T4 tail assembly. The first step in Tail formation is the assembly of the hexagonal baseplate. At least seven different gene products (gp10, gp11, gp7. gp8. gp6, gp53, gp25) are linked to form a 'wedge' (15S). Six such wedges are assembled to form the hexagonal baseplate.