Structures of T7 bacteriophage portal and tail suggest a viral DNA retention and ejection mechanism

Abstract

The genome of double-stranded DNA bacteriophages is delivered to host cells through the viral portal and tail structures. Here the authors describe structures of the bacteriophage T7 portal and the 1.5 MDa tail complex formed by the portal protein, adaptor protein and nozzle, providing insight into how the portal and tail machinery work during DNA packaging and ejection.