Primary adsorption site of phage PBS1: the flagellum of Bacillus subtilis.

The adsorption of Bacillus subtilis phage PBS1 was studied, and it was demonstrated that the primary adsorption site for this phage is the flagellum of B. subtilis. The capacity of flagella to function for motility may be lost without the loss of their capacity to adsorb the phage and permit infection. Deoxyribonucleic acid injection by the phage is inhibited by cyanide, suggesting the requirement for cellular energy in the infection process.