phi X174-directed DNA and protein syntheses in infected minicells.

Phi X174-infected minicells, produced by Escherichia coli PC2251, synthesized 11 phi X174-encoded polypeptides. The infecting single-stranded viral genome was converted to a double-stranded, closed circular, replicative form (replicative form I). Little, if any, replicative form I replication took place, and synthesis of progeny single-stranded molecules could not be detected.