Reconstitution and crystallization of tail sheaths of phage T2

Tail sheaths of T2 bacteriophage were dissociated under alkaline conditions and reconstituted during subsequent dialysis against water. Reconstituted sheaths appear as hollow cylinders with the same diameter as the original sheaths and with lengths less than or equal to that of the original sheaths. Strictly organized aggregates that are the basis for the formation of crystals are shown in a highly purified suspension of tail sheaths from T2 phage. Two mechanisms underlie crystallization of tail sheaths: end-to-end and side-by-side attachment. End-to-end attachment is more rigid, resulting in some cases in almost complete contact of the ends in a one-dimensional chain. Tail sheath aggregates can be destroyed in urea solution and at pH values over 9.5.