T5 phage channel formation intermediate at 4˚C

The vast majority of bacteriophages present a tail that allows host recognition. The majority of tailed phages bears a long flexible tail (Siphoviridae) at the distal end of which a tip complex, often called baseplate, harbours one or more Receptor Binding Protein·s (RBPs). Interaction between the RBPs and the host surface triggers cell wall perforation and DNA ejection, but little is known on these mechanisms for Siphoviridae [1]. Investigation of the phage infection on E.coli minicells using Cryo-ET showed that infection performed at 4˚C blocks the phage in a new intermediate of cell wall perforation that we would like to investigate to high resolution.