VIRION
Non-enveloped, head-tail structure. The prolate head is about 205 nm by 60 nm. Tail length is about 350 nm.
GENOME
Linear, dsDNA genome of about 205-213 kb with approximately 10 kb terminal repeats, containing about 318 genes.
GENE EXPRESSION
REPLICATION
CYTOPLASMIC
- Adsorption: The phage attaches to target cell adhesion receptors through its tail fibers.
- Ejection of the viral DNA into host cell cytoplasm by long flexible tail ejection system.
- DNA genome is circularized or integrated into host chromosome
- Transcription and translation of early genes
- Replication of genomic DNA.
- Transcription and translation of late genes
- Assembly of an empty procapsid and packaging of the genome.
- Viral tail fiber assembly and viral tail assembly.
- Mature virions are released from the cell by lysis.