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Related Concept Videos

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages01:30

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages

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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...
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Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
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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...
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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...
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Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing01:28

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Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that enables coordinated gene expression in response to changes in population density. This facilitates collective behaviors that enhance survival, resource acquisition, and ecological adaptation. This process relies on small signaling molecules called autoinducers that accumulate as bacterial populations grow. When a critical threshold concentration of autoinducers is reached, bacterial cells collectively modify gene expression,...
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Pesticides often feature structurally complex chemical architectures, incorporating halogen groups and multiple aromatic rings. These characteristics confer high chemical stability, rendering many pesticides resistant to natural degradation processes. This resistance poses significant environmental concerns, as persistent pesticide residues can accumulate in ecosystems and affect non-target organisms.Despite the inherent stability of many pesticides, certain microorganisms possess the metabolic...
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Phages tame plant pathogens.

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Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
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Exploring the risks of phage application in the environment.

Sean Meaden1, Britt Koskella1

  • 1College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter Penryn, UK.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|December 19, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to antibiotics for controlling bacterial pathogens. However, their widespread environmental use could impact microbial communities and lead to phage-resistant bacteria, mirroring antibiotic resistance issues.

Keywords:
antibiotic resistancecoevolutionmicrobial communitiesphage resistancephage therapy

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative strategies for bacterial pathogen control.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are being reconsidered as therapeutic agents.
  • Potential ecological impacts of high phage concentrations on natural microbial communities are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence of phage-mediated environmental perturbation.
  • To examine agricultural applications and implications of phage therapy.
  • To assess risks of bacterial resistance to phages and implications for future phage therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing evidence on phage-mediated environmental effects.
  • Analysis of agricultural examples of phage application.
  • Discussion of bacterial resistance evolution and monitoring.

Main Results:

  • Phage application in agriculture may have ecological consequences.
  • Bacterial resistance to phages can evolve, potentially limiting therapeutic efficacy.
  • Risks of phage resistance may parallel those seen with antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Careful consideration of ecological impacts and resistance development is crucial for safe phage therapy.
  • Precautions and monitoring methods are needed to mitigate risks associated with phage use.
  • Phage therapy's future success depends on managing resistance and environmental effects.