Tail pins

Definition

Tail pins are structural components of certain bacteriophages that help the virus attach to and penetrate the host bacterial cell wall. They play a crucial role in the infection process by facilitating the injection of viral DNA into the host.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tail pins are often found in bacteriophages with complex structures, such as T4 phages.
2. They assist in attaching the virus to specific receptor sites on the bacterial surface.
3. Tail pins work alongside tail fibers to ensure precise attachment and penetration.
4. Upon attachment, tail pins help anchor the phage to the bacterial cell wall, enabling DNA injection.
5. Mutations or malfunctions in tail pins can hinder a bacteriophage's ability to infect its host.

Review Questions

• What role do tail pins play in the infection process of bacteriophages?
• How do tail pins interact with tail fibers during a bacteriophage's attachment to a host cell?
• Why are functional tail pins critical for a bacteriophage's ability to infect bacteria?

Related terms

Bacteriophage:

A type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

Tail Fibers: Long, flexible structures that help bacteriophages recognize and bind to specific receptors on bacterial cells.

Capsid:

The protein shell of a virus, enclosing its genetic material.