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The Size of the Mating Group in Bacteriophage T4

Citation

Susman, Millard (1962) The Size of the Mating Group in Bacteriophage T4. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5M8C-EM53. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08092006-090416

Abstract

In unequal-input, three-factor phage crosses, the kinetics of recombination should depend on the number of vegetative phages participating in each mating. Among a selected class of progeny recombinant for two closely linked markers, a third, freely-segregating marker will achieve genetic equilibrium immediately if the mating group is very large but will show a drift toward equilibrium if the mating group is small. Data are presented for T4 crosses which are in good agreement with the qualitative predictions for small group (pairwise) mating. Mating parameters have been measured which permit calculation of the expected kinetics of recombination for various mating group sizes. The predictions are calculated using Steinberg and Stahl's theory of formal phage genetics. The data do not conform precisely to the theory, but it is argued that the disagreement cannot alter the conclusion that the T4 mating group is small. The significance, or insignificance, of this finding is discussed in the light of recent discoveries concerning the geometry of recombination in T4.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Genetics and Biochemistry)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology
Major Option:Biology
Minor Option:Biochemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Delbruck, Max
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1962
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-08092006-090416
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08092006-090416
DOI:10.7907/5M8C-EM53
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:3067
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:09 Aug 2006
Last Modified:27 Nov 2023 21:16

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