Figure 6-1: Schematic of generalized dsDNA phage assembly. A prohead interacts with the packaging ATPase holoenzyme-DNA complex via its head-tail connector. ATP hydrolysis powers translocation of the mature DNA, and at some point the scaffold core is ejected, either whole or following proteolysis. After an amount of DNA enters the head the shell capsomeres rearrange, making the head more angular and, in most phages, increasing the head volume. DNA translocation continues until a full complement of DNA enters the head, determined either by the unit length of the DNA, sequence recognition of the DNA length, or a headful mechanism. The ATPase-DNA complex detaches from the connector and is replaced by neck, tail, and/or tail fiber components, yielding a mature, infectious virion.