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For 6 decades, it has been a mystery how ssDNA phages use their ‘maturation’ (Mat) protein (1 of 4 proteins encoded by the phage, known to be involved in plus recognition) to enter the host cell. Jirapat Thongchol (Texas A&M University) and colleagues have now shown that ssRNA phage PP7 binds to type IV pilus via Mat, and as the pilus retracts, the phage physically causes the pilus to bend and snap off.