Phenotypic differentiation of ''smart'' versus ''naive'' bacteriophages of Bacillus subtilis

The temperate bacteriophages of Bacillus subtilis differ dramatically in their response to the induction of the SOS system during the development of competence and following DNA damage. While all temperate bacteriophages are induced following DNA damage, the ''naive'' bacteriophages (i.e., phi 105 and SPO2) are also induced during the development of competence. On the other hand, ''smart'' bacteriophages (i.e., phi 3T and SP beta) are not induced during the development of competence, and furthermore, once competence has developed, these prophages can no longer be induced by DNA damage.