Induces host cell lysis (PubMed:11892805, PubMed:29078304). Inhibits host MurA activity thereby blocking the synthesis of murein precursors necessary for the host cell wall biosynthesis (PubMed:11423662, PubMed:29078304). May be responsible for the attachment to the host pilus. Makes extensive contacts with the viral genome (PubMed:28111107). Interacts with host MurA; this interaction inhibits the first step in host cell wall synthesis (PubMed:22934834, PubMed:29078304). Interacts with the capsid protein (PubMed:28111107, PubMed:29078304). A single copy of the maturation protein is present in the virion.