Condensed genome structure

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2012:726:469-87. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0980-9_21.

Abstract

Large, tailed dsDNA-containing bacteriophage genomes are packaged to a conserved and high density (∼500 mg/ml), generally in ∼2.5-nm, duplex-to-duplex, spaced, organized DNA shells within icosahedral capsids. Phages with these condensate properties, however, differ markedly in their inner capsid structures: (1) those with a naked condensed DNA, (2) those with many dispersed unstructured proteins embedded within the DNA, (3) those with a small number of localized proteins, and (4) those with a reduced or DNA-free internal protein structure of substantial volume. The DNA is translocated and condensed by a high-force ATPase motor into a procapsid already containing the proteins that are to be ejected together with the DNA into the infected host. The condensed genome structure of a single-phage type is unlikely to be precisely determined and can change without loss of function to fit an altered capsid size or internal structure. Although no such single-phage condensed genome structure is known exactly, it is known that a single general structure is unlikely to apply to all such phages.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophages / genetics*
  • Capsid / physiology
  • Capsid / ultrastructure
  • DNA, Viral / ultrastructure*
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Virus Assembly

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Viral Proteins