Lambda phage

[kikicic]

Hello,

 

Is there anyone who could tell me why is Lambda phage's DNA linear while in the head od the phage, but circularized when inside of the bacteria, that is; why those sticky ends join while inside of the bacteria, but not when in phage's head?

 

Thank you

[Endy0816]

 

The single-strand viral DNA ends are ligated by host DNA ligase.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambda_phage

 

Basically the host sets things in motion for the virus.