The fate of phage lambda DNA in lambda-infected minicells.

The fate of phage lambda DNA in lambda-infected Escherichia coli minicells harboring the plasmid ColE1, and in plasmid-free minicells, were studied. Binding of lambda DNA to the minicell membrane, and formation of the supercoiled covalently-closed circular structure has been demonstrated. Phage infection abolishes plasmid DNA synthesis. Only a very slight, non-replicative lambda DNA synthesis occurs, soon after infection. This synthesis is associated with fragments of lambda DNA arising during, or soon after its penetration.