Structure and synthesis of a lipid-containing bacteriophage: XII. The fatty acids and lipid content of bacteriophage PM2

• Published in: Virology (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 49; no. 2; pp. 385 - 393
• Main Authors: Camerini-Otero, R.D, Franklin, R.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.1972
• Subjects: Bacteriophages - analysis; Bacteriophages - growth & development; Carbon Isotopes; Chromatography, Gas; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Escherichia coli - analysis; Fatty Acids - analysis; Lipids - analysis; Lipids - isolation & purification; Methods; Models, Structural; Phospholipids - analysis; Phosphorus - analysis; Phosphorus Isotopes; Pseudomonas - analysis
• ISSN: 0042-6822; 1096-0341
• DOI: 10.1016/0042-6822(72)90491-6

The fatty acid composition of bacteriophage PM2 and its host Pseudomonas BAL-31 were investigated by gas-liquid chromatography. Nearly identical compositions were found in the virus and its host. Although no unusual fatty acids were present, an unusually high content (> 50%) of monounsaturated 16-carbon fatty acid(s) (C 16:1) was found; the other major fatty acids were C 16:0, C 18:1 and a cyclopropane C 17. The lipid-phosphorus content was evaluated as 4.88 μg/mg of virion; this value taken together with the fatty acid and phospholipid composition was used to estimate a phospholipid content of 118 μg/mg of virion. The total lipid content of PM2 was estimated by two different methods as 12.6 ± 0.4% and 14.0 ± 1.5%. These values indicate that the lipid content of PM2 is not sufficient to form a continuous lipid bilayer.