Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:31
Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
Published on: May 26, 2013
Characterization and complete genome sequence analysis of Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage SA12
Yoonjee Chang1, Ju-Hoon Lee, Hakdong Shin
1Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, Korea.
Virus Genes
|June 19, 2013
Summary
Researchers characterized bacteriophage SA12, a virus targeting Staphylococcus aureus. Its genome sequencing and host lysis tests confirm its potential as a novel biocontrol agent against this common pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Virology
- Bacteriophage research
- Antimicrobial strategies
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human and animal pathogen.
- Controlling S. aureus infections requires novel therapeutic approaches.
- Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly isolated bacteriophage, SA12, targeting S. aureus.
- To determine the complete genome sequence of bacteriophage SA12.
- To evaluate SA12's efficacy as a biocontrol agent.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage SA12.
- Host range and bacteriophage challenge assays.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of SA12.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophage SA12 demonstrated specific and efficient lysis of S. aureus.
- The SA12 genome is a 42,902 bp double-stranded DNA molecule.
- 58 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) encode essential phage proteins.
Conclusions:
- Phage SA12 is a potent lytic bacteriophage against S. aureus.
- Genome data provides insights into S. aureus-targeting phages.
- SA12 serves as a foundation for developing phage-based biocontrol agents.
Related Concept Videos
01:26DNA 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...
01:30Lytic 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...
00:43Lysogenic 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...
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...