FIG. 3.
The genomic map of T4 phage. The full sequence of T4 phage has been determined, and several genes responsible for its lytic properties have been identified. For example, the genes encoding tail fibers (e.g., gp37) and baseplate wedges (e.g., gp12) are critical for phage-host cell recognition; the gp5 gene and possibly the gp25 gene encode lysozyme which weakens the bacterial cell wall and facilitates phage DNA injection into the cell; the ndd gene encodes the Ndd protein which disrupts the host nucleoid; the alc gene product is essential for inhibiting host cell transcription, etc. (from reference 28, with permission from the American Society for Microbiology).