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Related Concept Videos

Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages01:30

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the lytic replication...
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages00:43

Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages

In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle01:20

Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle01:16

Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects its...
DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...

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Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
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Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'

Published on: May 26, 2013

Structure and morphogenesis of bacteriophage T4.

P G Leiman1, S Kanamaru, V V Mesyanzhinov

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2054, USA. leiman@purdue.edu

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|November 20, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Bacteriophage T4, a complex virus, utilizes tail fibers and a portal protein for host recognition and DNA packaging. This intricate structure is crucial for viral infection and genetic material delivery.

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Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
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T4 Bacteriophage and E. coli Interaction in the Murine Intestine: A Prototypical Model for Studying Host-Bacteriophage Dynamics In Vivo
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T4 Bacteriophage and E. coli Interaction in the Murine Intestine: A Prototypical Model for Studying Host-Bacteriophage Dynamics In Vivo

Published on: January 26, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Bacteriophage T4 is a highly complex virus with over 40 proteins forming its mature virion.
  • The virion comprises a protein shell, genomic DNA, a tail, and fibers essential for host interaction.
  • The tail facilitates DNA delivery into the host cell, while fibers and tail proteins mediate host recognition and attachment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and functional roles of key components in Bacteriophage T4.
  • To understand the mechanism of host cell recognition and DNA delivery by the phage tail.
  • To investigate the function of the portal protein in DNA packaging during head assembly.

Main Methods:

  • Structural analysis of Bacteriophage T4 virion components.
  • Biochemical assays to study protein interactions and functions.
  • Genetic studies to assess the role of specific proteins in the viral life cycle.

Main Results:

  • Bacteriophage T4 fibers and tail proteins act as host cell recognition sensors for attachment.
  • The phage tail serves as a conduit for delivering viral DNA into the host cytoplasm.
  • A dodecameric portal protein at the unique head vertex is critical for viral DNA packaging.

Conclusions:

  • The complex structure of Bacteriophage T4, particularly its tail and portal protein, is essential for its infectivity.
  • Understanding these components provides insights into viral assembly and DNA packaging mechanisms.
  • This research contributes to the broader knowledge of viral-host interactions and DNA transport in viruses, including herpesviruses.