Lytic phages

Definition

Lytic phages are a type of bacteriophage that infects bacterial cells, leading to the destruction of the host cell through a process known as lysis. These phages follow a specific life cycle that results in the rapid replication of their viral components, culminating in the release of new phage particles and the death of the bacterial cell. This lytic cycle distinguishes them from lysogenic phages and underlines their significance in various fields including medicine and biotechnology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lytic phages attach to specific receptors on bacterial surfaces, inject their genetic material, and hijack the host's cellular machinery for replication.
2. During the lytic cycle, phage DNA is replicated, and proteins are synthesized, leading to the assembly of new phage particles within the host cell.
3. Once enough new phages are produced, they cause the bacterial cell to undergo lysis, releasing hundreds of new infectious phage particles into the environment.
4. Lytic phages can be used in research to study bacterial genetics and dynamics due to their ability to rapidly kill specific bacterial strains.
5. The potential of lytic phages in phage therapy lies in their ability to selectively target pathogenic bacteria while leaving beneficial microbiota unharmed.

Review Questions

• How do lytic phages interact with their bacterial hosts during the infection process?
  • Lytic phages initiate infection by attaching to specific receptors on a bacterial cell's surface. After attachment, they inject their genetic material into the host, commandeering the bacterial machinery to produce more phage components. This interaction leads to rapid replication and assembly of new phage particles, ultimately resulting in cell lysis and the release of these new virions into the surrounding environment.
• Discuss how the unique properties of lytic phages make them suitable candidates for use in phage therapy.
  • Lytic phages are particularly valuable for phage therapy because they specifically target and destroy bacterial pathogens without affecting human cells or beneficial bacteria. Their ability to replicate quickly within the host bacteria enhances their effectiveness against infections. Furthermore, lytic phages can adapt and evolve alongside bacteria, making them a promising solution against antibiotic-resistant strains. This selective action minimizes collateral damage often associated with traditional antibiotics.
• Evaluate the implications of utilizing lytic phages in biotechnology and research applications.
  • The use of lytic phages in biotechnology opens up diverse possibilities for advancing microbial research and developing new biotechnological applications. For example, they can serve as tools for gene delivery or act as biosensors due to their specificity for certain bacterial strains. Additionally, their role in controlling bacterial populations can be harnessed in environmental applications such as bioremediation. As researchers explore these innovative uses, understanding the dynamics of lytic phage interactions will be crucial for developing effective strategies and products.

Related terms

Bacteriophage: A virus that specifically infects bacteria, capable of using them as hosts to replicate and produce new virions.

Lysis:

The process by which a cell is broken down or destroyed, often resulting in the release of viral particles after infection.

Phage therapy: A therapeutic approach that utilizes bacteriophages to target and kill pathogenic bacteria, especially in cases where antibiotics are ineffective.