Definition: The type species of the genus MICROVIRUS. A prototype of the small virulent DNA coliphages, it is composed of a single strand of supercoiled circular DNA, which on infection, is converted to a double-stranded replicative form by a host enzyme.
Other names phi X 174 Phage; Phage phi X 174; Enterobacteria phage phi X 174; Coliphage phi X 174; phi X174, Phage; Phage phi X174
