Bacteriophage
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. They are among the most abundant biological entities on Earth and play important roles in microbial ecology, evolution, and biotechnology.
Structure and genome: Most phages consist of a protein capsid enclosing a nucleic acid genome, and many
Life cycles: Phages can follow lytic or lysogenic life cycles. Lytic (virulent) phages hijack the host’s machinery
Host range and infection process: Phage infection is highly specific to particular bacterial species or strains,
Applications and significance: Phages are used in phage therapy as targeted antibacterial agents, especially amid rising