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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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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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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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Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle01:20

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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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DNA Bacteriophages01:26

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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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Initiation of Translation02:33

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Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda
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Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda

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Structural basis of bacteriophage Ur-lambda infection initiation.

Huaxin Yu1,2, Chunyan Wang1,2, Jian Yue1,2

  • 1Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.

Science Advances
|November 14, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The bacteriophage lambda (λ) infection process was visualized, revealing its tail structure and how it attaches to Escherichia coli. This study clarifies the initial steps of phage infection and genome delivery.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Structural Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and must overcome host defenses to initiate infection.
  • The precise mechanism by which the classic bacteriophage lambda (λ) initiates infection, including host recognition and cell entry, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural basis and dynamic process of infection initiation by the original lambda (Ur-λ) isolate.
  • To visualize the interaction of Ur-λ with Escherichia coli and the subsequent steps leading to genome ejection.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) were employed to visualize Ur-λ and its infection intermediates.
  • High-resolution structural determination of Ur-λ, including its tail fibers and tail tip complex.

Main Results:

  • The structure of Ur-λ was determined, revealing full-length central and side fibers crucial for rapid adsorption to Escherichia coli.
  • Six copies of the tape measure protein were identified within the Ur-λ structure.
  • Intermediates of the tail tip complex during infection initiation were captured, demonstrating conformational changes facilitating adsorption.
  • A trans-envelope channel involved in genome ejection was visualized.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a structural foundation for understanding Ur-λ host recognition via its fibers.
  • The captured intermediates reveal the dynamic conformational changes essential for phage adsorption and infection initiation.
  • The visualization of the trans-envelope channel offers insights into the mechanism of bacteriophage genome delivery into host cells.