Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Hydrodynamic Study of Bacterial Viruses. Effect of solution conditions

Bacterial viruses genome- ds-DNA -expulsion from the phage capsid is induced by temperature and is not accompanied by heat effects (temperature interval 45–75°C). Thus the temperature induced ejection of genetic material from phages is predominantly entropic. ds-DNA output from the capsid increases the viscosity of the phage suspension at least 100 times. ds-DNA output from the capsid is accompanied by a significant change of partial volume. The disruption of 1mg of phage produces ΔV=1.3×10–9 m3 which corresponds to a volume increase of 200%. This produces exothermic heat effects in closed calorimetric cells, with free volume above the measured liquid. This paper deals with the study of the V-group, family T-even, E. Coli bacteria phage (named unphage). According to electron microscopic pictures, the geometrical parameters of this phage are 750×560 A (from head) and 900 A (from tail).