Ejection of the genomic DNA of Bacteriophage T5 across a membrane

coll L.Letellier, IBBMC Univ Paris Sud

We study the in vitro ejection of bacteriophage T5. We try unravel the mechanism by wich the long dsDNA packed in the phage capsid is ejected into the bacteria cytoplasm. In particular we focus on the reason why the ejection occurs in 2 steps. The first 8% of the genome is first ejected. After a pause of order 1 minute the rest of the genome is incorporated. in the video you can see the ejection of the phage DNA under flow. The DNA extend in the flow after it is released from the capsid. It stays stuck for a while and is labeled by an intercalating dye present in the buffer.