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Temperate bacteriophages and lysogeny in lactic acid bacteria
B E Davidson1, I B Powell, A J Hillier
1Russell Grimwade School of Biochemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Lysogeny is common in lactic acid bacteria, but identifying suitable indicator strains for phage lytic growth remains challenging. Further research into temperate phage molecular biology is crucial for optimizing their use in dairy starter cultures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Virology
Background:
- Lysogeny, the integration of bacteriophage DNA into a host bacterium's genome, is prevalent in lactic acid bacteria.
- Induction of temperate phages in lysogenic lactic acid bacteria typically requires UV irradiation or mitomycin C treatment.
- Identifying appropriate indicator strains for the lytic growth of induced phages is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the widespread nature of lysogeny in lactic acid bacteria.
- To underscore the difficulties in identifying suitable indicator strains for induced phages.
- To emphasize the need for more molecular biology information on temperate phages from lactic acid bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on lysogeny in lactic acid bacteria.
- Analysis of existing knowledge regarding phage induction and transduction.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in temperate phage molecular biology.
Main Results:
- Lysogeny is a common phenomenon in lactic acid bacteria.
- Induction of temperate phages is achievable but requires specific conditions.
- Transduction capabilities of some temperate phages have been documented.
- There is a scarcity of detailed molecular biology data for these phages.
Conclusions:
- Temperate phages in lactic acid bacteria hold potential as tools for strain improvement.
- Enhanced understanding of temperate phage molecular biology is essential for their effective utilization.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in phage induction and indicator strain selection.