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
High-resolution view of bacteriophage lambda gene expression by ribosome profiling.
Xiaoqiu Liu1, Huifeng Jiang, Zhenglong Gu
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Summary
Bacteriophage lambda gene expression during phage development was analyzed using ribosome profiling. This revealed known gene expression patterns and uncovered previously unappreciated potential open reading frames, indicating greater complexity in lambda phage gene function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacteriophage lambda is a key model organism for studying genetic regulation.
- Understanding phage development requires detailed insights into gene expression dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a high-resolution view of bacteriophage lambda gene expression during phage development.
- To identify novel functional elements within the lambda phage genome.
Main Methods:
- Ribosome profiling was employed to analyze genome-wide translation activity.
- Phage development stages were monitored to capture dynamic gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- Confirmed predictable expression patterns for known bacteriophage lambda genes.
- Identified numerous previously unannotated open reading frames (ORFs) with apparent expression.
- Revealed unexpected complexity in the functional landscape of the lambda phage genome.
Conclusions:
- Ribosome profiling offers a powerful tool for dissecting intricate gene expression patterns in bacteriophages.
- The bacteriophage lambda genome harbors more functional elements than previously recognized, necessitating a revised understanding of its genetic regulation and development.
Related Concept Videos
02:24Ribosome Profiling
Ribosome profiling or ribo-sequencing is a deep sequencing technique that produces a snapshot of active translation in a cell. It selectively sequences the mRNAs protected by ribosomes to get an insight into a cell’s translation landscape at any given point in time.
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
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...
01:29Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria
The DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes are intricately coupled in bacteria, allowing efficient gene expression and rapid protein synthesis. While this physical and functional coordination is advantageous, it introduces challenges that bacteria overcome through specific regulatory mechanisms.Coupling of Replication, Transcription, and TranslationThe coupling of replication, transcription, and translation is a hallmark of bacterial gene expression. As the replisome unwinds...
02:28Leaky Scanning
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
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...
01:16Viral 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...