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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Bacteriophages of the Human Virome01:23

Bacteriophages of the Human Virome

Bacteriophages are found throughout the human body. They may even outnumber eukaryotic viruses, forming an important and dynamic component of the human virome. Indeed, phages represent the most abundant viral entities, with densities in the gut reaching up to 10⁹ particles per gram of fecal matter, and many belonging to orders such as Caudovirales and Microviridae, while a substantial proportion remains unclassified as viral “dark matter.”Lysogeny and Genetic ExchangeIn the gut, bacteriophages...
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: 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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
07:22

Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings

Published on: August 19, 2021

Bacteriophage applications: where are we now?

A B Monk1, C D Rees, P Barrow

  • 1Biocontrol Ltd, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK.

Letters in Applied Microbiology
|August 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Bacteriophages, bacterial viruses, are seeing renewed interest as antimicrobial agents due to rising antibiotic resistance. Their potential in healthcare, veterinary, and agricultural sectors is being explored for novel therapies and pathogen detection.

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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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Last Updated: Jun 9, 2026

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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:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) have a long history as antimicrobial agents.
  • Their use declined in the West with the advent of antibiotics but remains prevalent in Eastern Europe.
  • Rising antibiotic resistance and the need for improved food safety have spurred renewed interest in bacteriophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current potential and applications of bacteriophages.
  • To assess their effectiveness as novel antimicrobial therapies.
  • To explore their role in pathogen detection and food safety.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research and applications of bacteriophages.
  • Analysis of bacteriophage use in healthcare, veterinary, and agricultural sectors.
  • Examination of the commercialization efforts by biotechnology companies.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in research and development in Europe and the US.
  • Emergence of various applications for bacteriophage agents.
  • Growing number of biotech companies focusing on bacteriophage commercialization.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophages are demonstrating significant potential across multiple sectors.
  • They offer promising alternatives to antibiotics in combating bacterial infections.
  • Further research and development are crucial to fully realize their therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities.