The distribution and Morphology of Bacillus thuringiensis Phages in Korea

Bacillus thuringiensis phage의 분포와 형태에 관한 연구

Several phages of Bacillus thuringiensis distributed in Korea were isolated. The distribution and morphological characteristics of phages were studied. The results are as follows; 1. The isolated phages were highly specific for Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis. They were classified as YM series phages and designated as phage YM-1, YM-2 and YM-3 according to their morphological characteristics. 2. Most of these YM series phages were isolated from compost including domestic animal dung and soil under sewage. 3. The YM-1 phage was similar to Bacillus subtilis ${\phi}25$ in morphology. It has 94nm x 86nm head, contractile tail sheath and base plate with four cornered structure. 4. The YM-2 phage was similar to Bacillus subtilis GA-1 phage in morphology. It had 70nm x 56nm head and tail without contractile tail sheath. 5. The YM-3 phage was similar to Bacillus subtilis ${\phi}29$ phage. It had 56nm x 43nm head and tail with distal enlargement.