bakteriofageja

Bakteriofageja, often shortened to phage, are viruses that specifically infect and replicate within bacteria. The word "bacteriophage" itself is derived from Greek, meaning "bacteria eater." These microscopic entities are ubiquitous in the environment, found in soil, water, and even in the human gut, where they play a significant role in microbial ecosystems.

The structure of a bacteriophage typically consists of genetic material, usually DNA, enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. Many phages also possess a tail structure that aids in attaching to and injecting their genetic material into a host bacterium. The infection cycle of a bacteriophage can follow two main pathways: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. In the lytic cycle, the phage replicates rapidly within the bacterium, eventually causing the host cell to burst, releasing new phages. In the lysogenic cycle, the phage DNA integrates into the bacterial genome, replicating along with the host DNA without immediately destroying the cell.

Bacteriophages have garnered significant interest for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This field, known as phage therapy, involves using phages to target and eliminate specific bacterial pathogens. Research is ongoing to understand the complexities of phage-host interactions and to develop safe and effective phage-based treatments. Phages are also valuable tools in molecular biology research, used in techniques like gene cloning and genetic engineering.