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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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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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Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages00:43

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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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Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...
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Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle01:16

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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...
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Biological agents offer an effective means of controlling microbial growth by leveraging natural processes like predation, competition, and the secretion of antimicrobial substances.Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio species target and kill pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. They are widely used in poultry farms to control infections. Myxococcus species help combat plant-pathogenic fungi. These naturally occurring predators serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and...
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Natural products influence bacteriophage infectivity.

Zhiyu Zang1, Joseph P Gerdt1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. zzang@iu.edu.

Natural Product Reports
|August 18, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Natural products can modulate bacteriophage (phage) activities, impacting microbial ecosystems and offering new strategies against antibiotic resistance. This review explores their synergistic potential in antibacterial therapies.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria, playing a key role in shaping microbial communities.
  • Natural products have historically been explored for various bioactivities, including antiviral and anti-cancer properties.
  • The rise of antibiotic resistance necessitates novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of natural products that modulate phage activities.
  • To discuss the mechanisms of action for these natural products.
  • To identify future research opportunities at the intersection of phages and natural products.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review covering research from 1942 to 2025.
  • Analysis of natural products screened for anti-phage activity.
  • Examination of natural products triggering lysis by lambda (λ) prophage.
  • Synthesis of information on natural products synergizing with phages for antibacterial therapies.

Main Results:

  • Natural products exhibit diverse interactions with phages, influencing their activity.
  • Screening of natural products has yielded leads for antiviral and anti-cancer drug discovery.
  • Natural products can enhance phage-based antibacterial strategies, crucial for combating antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products are significant modulators of phage activity with implications for microbial ecology.
  • The synergy between natural products and phages presents a promising avenue for developing next-generation antibacterial therapies.
  • Further research into these interactions can unlock new applications in medicine and biotechnology.