Bacteriophages

Definition

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They play a crucial role in bacterial population control and genetic exchange.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bacteriophages have two main life cycles: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle.
2. In the lytic cycle, bacteriophages replicate within a bacterium and ultimately cause its lysis.
3. During the lysogenic cycle, phage DNA integrates into the bacterial genome and replicates with it without killing the host.
4. Phage therapy is being researched as an alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.
5. They exhibit high specificity for their bacterial hosts due to receptor-binding proteins on their tail fibers.

Review Questions

• What are the two main life cycles of bacteriophages?
• How does a bacteriophage differ from a typical virus in terms of its target?
• Why are bacteriophages considered potential alternatives to antibiotics?

Related terms

Lytic Cycle: A process where bacteriophages replicate inside bacteria leading to cell lysis and release of new phages

Lysogenic Cycle: A process where phage DNA integrates into the bacterial genome and replicates passively with it

Phage Therapy: The therapeutic use of bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections