Two theoretical genetic strains of a virus (a⁻b⁻c⁻ and a⁺b⁺c⁺) were used to simultaneously infect a culture of host bacteria. Of 10,000 plaques scored, the following genotypes were observed. Determine the genetic map of these three genes on the viral chromosome. Decide whether the interference was positive or negative.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteriophage Genetics
Problem 16
Textbook Question
If a single bacteriophage infects one E. coli cell present on a lawn of bacteria and, upon lysis, yields 200 viable viruses, how many phages will exist in a single plaque if three more lytic cycles occur?


1
Understand the problem: A single bacteriophage infects an E. coli cell, producing 200 viable viruses after one lytic cycle. We are tasked with determining the number of phages in a single plaque after three additional lytic cycles.
Step 1: Calculate the number of phages produced after the first lytic cycle. This is given as 200 viable viruses per infected cell.
Step 2: For each subsequent lytic cycle, the number of phages produced will multiply by 200 for each phage present at the start of the cycle. Use the formula: \( N_{n+1} = N_n \times 200 \), where \( N_n \) is the number of phages at the start of the nth cycle.
Step 3: Apply the formula iteratively for three additional lytic cycles. Start with \( N_1 = 200 \) (from the first cycle), then calculate \( N_2 \), \( N_3 \), and \( N_4 \) (the total after three more cycles).
Step 4: The final number of phages in a single plaque after three additional lytic cycles will be \( N_4 \). This value represents the total number of phages produced after four cycles in total.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Bacteriophage Life Cycle
The bacteriophage life cycle consists of attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, maturation, and lysis. In the lytic cycle, the phage infects a bacterial cell, replicates its genetic material, assembles new virions, and ultimately causes the cell to burst, releasing new phages. Understanding this cycle is crucial for predicting how many phages will be produced after multiple rounds of infection.
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Bacteriophage Life Cycle
Plaque Formation
A plaque is a clear zone on a bacterial lawn where phages have lysed the bacteria. Each plaque originates from a single phage that infected a bacterial cell, leading to the death of surrounding cells. The number of plaques can be used to estimate the concentration of phages in a sample, which is essential for interpreting the results of the dilution factor assay.
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Plaques and Experiments
Lytic Cycle and Multiplicity of Infection
Multiplicity of infection (MOI) refers to the ratio of infectious agents (phages) to infection targets (bacteria). In this scenario, after the initial infection yields 200 phages, each subsequent lytic cycle can exponentially increase the number of phages. Understanding how MOI affects phage propagation is key to calculating the total number of phages after multiple lytic cycles.
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Decision Between Lytic and Lysogenic Cycles
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