Early extracellular events in infection of competent Bacillus subtilis by DNA of bacteriophage SP82G.

Analysis, by the recovery of specific genetic "markers," of the effects of DNase I, physical shear, and temperature shock on DNA-cell complexes demonstrates that sequential attachment of both ends of bacteriophage SP82G DNA to Bacillus subtilis precedes entry of the DNA molecule into the cell, and that each attachment is end-and time-specific. The first attachment involves an initial reversible phase, followed by irreversible binding. After a latent period, the second end then attaches to the cell. Entry of the molecule begins immediately after binding of the second end has occurred, and entry is complete within 3 min. The polarity of entry, as judged by attainment of resistance to DNase I, is the reverse of that observed in normal phage injection.