Scientists have discovered how to put together a...

Scientists have discovered how to put together a bacteriophage with the protein coat of phage $\mathrm{T} 2$ and the DNA of phage lambda. If this composite phage were allowed to infect a bacterium, the phages produced in the host cell would have ____________________________ (Explain your answer) a the protein of T2 and the DNA of lambda b. the protein of lambda and the DNA of T2 c. the protein and DNA of T2 d. the protein and DNA of lambda

Scientists have discovered how to put together a bacteriophage with the protein coat of phage $\mathrm{T} 2$ and the DNA of phage lambda. If this composite phage were allowed to infect a bacterium, the phages produced in the host cell would have ____________________________ (Explain your answer)
a the protein of T2 and the DNA of lambda
b. the protein of lambda and the DNA of T2
c. the protein and DNA of T2
d. the protein and DNA of lambda

Key Concepts

Phenotypic Mixing

Phenotypic mixing occurs when the nucleic acid of one virus is encapsulated in the protein coat of another. This can temporarily alter the appearance of the virus without affecting its genetic content. However, when the virus replicates, the progeny will be determined solely by the genome, meaning that even though the initial infecting particle had a mixed phenotype, the newly assembled viruses will display the phenotype corresponding to their own genetic information.

Genotype-Phenotype Relationship

In viral infections, the genome (genotype) is the critical determinant for the type of new viruses produced. Although an incoming virus may have a protein coat that does not match its genetic material—a phenomenon known as phenotypic mixing—the genetic instructions in the nucleic acid override the initial protein presentation. Once inside the host cell, the genome directs the synthesis of its specific viral proteins, resulting in progeny that express traits encoded by the genome.

Viral Structure

Viruses have two main components: the protein coat (capsid) and the nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). The protein coat is responsible for the initial interaction with host cells, while the nucleic acid carries the genetic information required for viral replication and the synthesis of new viral proteins. This separation is key because the infecting particle may have proteins that differ from those produced later based on its genetic material.

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