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Updated: May 23, 2025

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
Bacteriophage-driven microbial phenotypic heterogeneity: ecological and biogeochemical importance
Xiaolong Liang1, Shuo Yang2, Mark Radosevich3
1CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 110016, Shenyang, China. liangxlucas@outlook.com.
Abstract:
Bacteriophages (phages) reprogram host metabolism and generate phenotypic heterogeneity, yet the mechanisms and ecological implications remain poorly understood representing a major knowledge gap in microbial ecology. This review explores how phage infection alters microbial physiology, contributes to single-cell variation, and influences population dynamics. We highlight the potential consequences of phage-driven heterogeneity for microbial community structure and biogeochemical cycling, underscoring the importance of integrating phage-host interactions into ecological and ecosystem models.
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