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A Headful of T4 Coliphage DNA Packaged to Fasces-Like Globules in Fractal Models

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Fractals in Biology and Medicine

Part of the book series: Mathematics and Biosciences in Interaction ((MBI))

Abstract

We present a new model for T4 DNA packaging based on fractal considerations. The proposed model is based on electron microscopic observations of spread and packaged DNA. The model takes into account enzymatically and unidirectionally driven packaging, and quick release of the DNA during infection. We also consider the different biochemical reactions of the packaging process.

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Dedicated to Eduard Kellenberger, Lausanne

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© 1998 Springer Basel AG

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Kleinschmidt, A.K., Baumann, G., Martin, R., Zahn, R.K. (1998). A Headful of T4 Coliphage DNA Packaged to Fasces-Like Globules in Fractal Models. In: Losa, G.A., Merlini, D., Nonnenmacher, T.F., Weibel, E.R. (eds) Fractals in Biology and Medicine. Mathematics and Biosciences in Interaction. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8936-0_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8936-0_20

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-9834-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-8936-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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