Lysis of Bacillus subtilis by bacteriophage SP82 in the absence of DNA synthesis

Normal levels of lytic activity are elicited by SP82 infection of Bacillus subtilis even in the absence of detectable SP82 DNA synthesis. This is contrary to the regulatory patterns of the lysozymes that are known to be phage specific, but is consistent with the hypothesis that the SP82 lytic enzyme is host specific. Normal levels of lytic activity are not, however, sufficient for lysis in SP82 infection. An additional function is required, whose activity can be prevented by an SP82 mutation that blocks DNA synthesis. A host mutation is described which renders this function unnecessary. The strain carrying this mutation can be lysed by SP82 in the absence of detectable DNA synthesis.