Effect of m3 gene on the development of phage P22.

Mutation of the gene m3 of phage P22 causes permanent depression of macromolecular synthesis in the infected host and thus inhibits phage development as indicated by burst size and lysozyme production. The permanent depression of macromolecular synthesis is most probably due to blockage of the transport process. The m3 allele is dominant over m+. m3 allows some transcription of phage genes (however, the difference between early and late function is not clear). The inhibitory effect of m3 on DNA synthesis may be indirect.