Current methods of analyzing fusion proteins from lambda gt11 clones involve either subcloning of the insert DNA into a plasmid expression vector or production of lambda gt11 lysogens that are subsequently induced. Both of these methods can be quite time-consuming. The present communication describes a novel strategy for induction of the fusion protein that is both simple and rapid. Liquid cultures of E. coli Y1090R- infected with the lambda gt11 clone were induced directly to produce the fusion protein. Following the preparation of a crude bacterial cell lysate, fusion products were subjected to Western blot analysis.