symbiont genome ejection through host cell envelope symbiont genome ejection through host cell envelope, short tail mechanism https://github.com/geneontology/go-ontology/issues/26670 Entry of a symbiont's genome into the host cell through the host cell envelope via a short tail ejection system consisting a central tube, the connector which attaches the tail to the phage capsid and releases inner core proteins. Upon binding to the host cell surface, the phage displays a tube-like extension of its short tail that penetrates both host membranes. This tail extension comes from the release of viral core proteins with channel forming properties. Occurs in non-enveloped prokaryotic viruses. viral short tail ejection system VZ:3954 GO:0099002 viral genome ejection through host cell envelope, short tail mechanism biological_process