The phage λ genome organization facilitates coordinate controlMap of phage λ in the circular form. The genes for recombination, integration and excision, replication, head and tail assembly, and cell lysis are clustered together and coordinately regulated. Transcription of the right side of the genome begins at PR, and that of the leftward genes begins at PL. Key regulatory interactions governing the lysogenic-versus-lytic decision take place at operators between the cro and the cI genes.