The bacteriophage attaches to the cell surface and penetrates the cell by injecting viral DNA inside the host. Eventually the phage DNA is replicated which allows for the production of phage proteins. Lastly, the cell is destroyed where the newly assembled particles exit the host cell through cell lysis.

Lytic Cycle

This type of bacteriophage does not kill the host cell right away, rather the phage genome integrates into the bacterial chromosome and becomes apart of the host. Then, as the host divides into daughter cells the phage genome is also replicated. Eventually, the host cell becomes stressed, the phage genome exits the host, makes more phage particles, and then the virus exits the host DNA resulting from lysis.

Lysogenic Cycle

Bacteriophage replication involves 2 types of life cycles: The Lytic Cycle and the Lysogenic Cycle.

University of Southern Mississippi

Structures of Bacteriophages include:

- Capsid
- Viral genome
- Sheath
- Tail fibers

Bacteriophage  Stuctures

A virus that can infect one or more species of bacteria. 

Bacteriophage

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Connects the polyhedral head to the tail fibers and tail pins

Sheath

Helps with viral attachment to the receptors of the host cell surface for entry

Tail fibers/pins

A protein coat that surrounds the viral genome.

Capsid

Capsomer

A portion of the phospholipid membrane acquired through virion buds from a host cell.

Viral envelope

Bacteriophage Replication Cycles

In transduction, bacteriophages can infect bacteria and move short pieces of DNA from one bacteria to another. This can transfer virulence genes and allow bacteria to be pathogenic. Viral transduction can be used in genetic engineering experiments to add recombinant genes into the chromosomes of bacteria.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After