Biophysical properties of bacteriophage ø29

Abstract

Bacteriophage φ29 has been purified in large scale to homogeneity. The sedimentation and diffusion coefficients of the virus are (256 ± 2) × 10−13 sec and (8.8 ± 0.5) × 10−8 cm2 × sec−1, respectively. The value of the partial specific volume of φ29, obtained by pycnometry, is 0.61 ± 0.01 cm3 × g−1. From these values and the Svedberg equation, the molecular mass of φ29 is (18 ± 1) × 106 daltons. From the phosphorus and nitrogen content, and the amino acid and nucleotide composition, the DNA percentage in φ29 is 56 ± 2%. Other independent estimations of the molecular mass of φ29 are given.