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Related Concept Videos

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...
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

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Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages00:43

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DNA Bacteriophages01:26

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Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda
06:10

Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda

Published on: October 14, 2011

Repeatability and contingency in the evolution of a key innovation in phage lambda.

Justin R Meyer1, Devin T Dobias, Joshua S Weitz

  • 1Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. justin.raymond.meyer@gmail.com

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Evolutionary innovations arise from a complex interplay between viral genomic changes and host ecological conditions. Bacteriophage lambda evolved new infection pathways by adapting its host-recognition protein, demonstrating how new functions emerge.

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Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
08:31

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

Published on: May 26, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The evolution of key innovations, which grant lineages new functions and ecological opportunities, is not well understood.
  • Understanding the mechanisms behind evolutionary innovation is crucial for various biological disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary pathway of bacteriophage lambda infecting its host, Escherichia coli, via a novel mechanism.
  • To elucidate the interplay between viral genomic mutations and host ecological factors in the emergence of evolutionary innovations.

Main Methods:

  • Examined mutations in bacteriophage lambda's host-recognition protein J.
  • Analyzed changes in host (Escherichia coli) receptor expression (LamB and OmpF).
  • Investigated the impact of host genomic mutations on viral adaptation.

Main Results:

  • Natural selection favored mutations in protein J, enhancing fitness on the original receptor (LamB).
  • These mutations facilitated subsequent adaptations for infection via a new receptor (OmpF).
  • Host evolution (reduced LamB expression) and specific host mutations influenced the phage's ability to acquire new functions.

Conclusions:

  • Viral evolution of key innovations is driven by a combination of genomic processes and ecological pressures.
  • Bacteriophage lambda's adaptation demonstrates a novel pathway for acquiring new functions, highlighting the dynamic co-evolution between viruses and hosts.
  • This study underscores the intricate relationship between genetic changes and environmental conditions in shaping evolutionary innovation.