| Abstract: | We have measured the binding equilibria of proflavin to T2L bacteriophage, in both “slow” and “fast” sedimenting forms, and to free T2L DNA. Measurements were carried out by difference spectroscopy at 430 nm at temperatures from 13 to 43°C and at pH 5.6 and 7.6. We found no significant difference in the binding parameters of the two phage forms. Also, the fraction of nucleotides available as binding sites for proflavin was the same for both free and intraphage DNA. However, the binding constant is about an order of magnitude lower for encapsulated than for free T2L DNA, due to the decreased exothermicity of the binding reaction within the phage head. |
