Changes in host cell energetics in response to bacteriophage PRD1 DNA entry

The double-stranded DNA bacterial virus PRD1 has an internal membrane and a protein-primed replication mechanism. The effects of PRD1 adsorption and DNA entry on the magnitudes of host cell Delta Psi and K+ gradients were studied using ion-selective electrodes and a potentiometric monitoring system. PRD1 DNA cell penetration was characterized by lower intracellular K+ concentration, raised OM permeability to lipophilic compounds and raise membrane voltage.