Site Directed Mutagensis of Bacteriophage HK639 and Identification of Its Integration Site

Bacteriophages affect bacterial evolution, pathogenesis and global nutrient cycling. They are also the most numerous and diverse group of biological entities on the planet [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Members of the Lambda phage family share a similar genetic organization and control early gene expression by suppressing transcription, a process known as antitermination. Transcription antitermination in Lambda is mediated by a phage-encoded protein whereas in lambdoid phage HK022, antitermination is mediated by a phage-encoded RNA molecules. Recent results suggest that another bacteriophage called HK639 also appears to use RNA-mediated antitermination. To characterize this newly identified phage we generated site directed mutations and identified where the phage integrates into the chromosome of its bacterial host.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Biology

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Jonnalagadda, Madhuri

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Rodney A. King, Dr. Jeffery Marcus, Dr. Sigrid Jacobshagen

• bacterial cells
• lysogenic cycle
• recombinant genetics
• bacteriophages
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Genetics
• Immunopathology
• Molecular Genetics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/42

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-1041