Coliphage

Coliphage, also known as bacteriophage, is a type of virus that specifically infects bacteria. It is one of the most abundant biological entities on Earth, with estimates suggesting that there are more phages than bacterial cells in the oceans. Coliphages are typically composed of a protein coat surrounding a nucleic acid genome, which can be either DNA or RNA. They are classified into several families based on their structure and genetic material.

The life cycle of a coliphage involves several stages: adsorption, penetration, replication, maturation, and release. During adsorption, the phage attaches to a specific receptor on the bacterial cell surface. Penetration occurs when the phage injects its genetic material into the bacterial cell. The phage then takes over the bacterial machinery to replicate its own genetic material and produce new phage particles. Maturation involves the assembly of new phage particles within the bacterial cell, and finally, the mature phages are released through lysis of the bacterial cell.

Coliphages play a significant role in bacterial ecology and evolution. They can influence bacterial populations by controlling their growth and diversity. Additionally, phages are used in various biotechnological applications, such as in phage therapy for treating bacterial infections and in bioremediation for cleaning up environmental contaminants.

Despite their importance, coliphages are often overlooked in ecological studies due to their rapid replication and high abundance. However, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have allowed for a deeper understanding of phage diversity and their interactions with bacterial hosts.