BACTERIOPHAGES Meaning and
Definition
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Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are viruses that specifically infect and replicate within bacterial cells. The word bacteriophage is derived from the Greek roots "bakterion," meaning small rod or staff, and "phagein," meaning to eat. These viruses are so named because they essentially "eat" bacteria by hijacking their cellular machinery and using it to replicate themselves.
Bacteriophages have a highly specialized structure and life cycle. They consist of a protein coat, known as a capsid, which encloses the genetic material of the virus. The genetic material can be either DNA or RNA, depending on the specific type of phage. Bacteriophages attach to specific receptor molecules on the surface of bacterial cells, and then inject their genetic material into the host cell. Once inside, the phage uses the bacterial cell's own machinery to produce multiple copies of itself, ultimately resulting in the death of the host cell. The newly formed viruses are then released, ready to infect and destroy other bacterial cells.
The discovery and study of bacteriophages has been instrumental in understanding many aspects of biology, such as genetics and molecular biology. Bacteriophages play a significant ecological role as well, as they help regulate bacterial populations in various environments, and can have profound effects on microbial communities. Additionally, bacteriophages have shown promising potential as a therapeutic tool in combating bacterial infections, particularly in cases where antibiotic resistance is a concern.
Common Misspellings for BACTERIOPHAGES
Etymology of BACTERIOPHAGES
The word "bacteriophages" is derived from two Greek words: "bacterio" meaning "bacteria" and "phagein" meaning "to eat" or "to devour". Therefore, the term "bacteriophages" essentially translates to "bacteria eaters" or "bacteria devourers". The word was first coined in the early 20th century by the French-Canadian microbiologist Félix d'Herelle, who discovered and named these viruses that specifically prey on bacteria.
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