Homology between phages SPP1, 41c, 22a, rho 15 and SF6 of Bacillus subtilis.

Bacteriophages SPP1, 41c, 22a, rho 15 and SF6 of Bacillus subtilis share a common and specific host receptor site for adsorption. Experiments described here have established the relatedness between these phages. They were indistinguishable on the basis of host-range, plating efficiency, various growth parameters and serological properties. In addition, they shared the ability to carry out generalized transduction. They could be differentiated, however, by the restriction patterns of their DNAs, with the exception of 41c and 22a, which seemed to be identical. Recombination between 41c and SPP1 was demonstrated by transfection with mixed digests of their DNAs.