bakteriofágok

Bakteriofágok, or bacteriophages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria and archaea. The term "bacteriophage" literally means "bacteria eater." These microscopic entities are ubiquitous, found in virtually every environment where bacteria exist, including soil, water, and the human gut.

Bacteriophages are typically composed of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. Some phages also possess a tail structure that they use to attach to and inject their genetic material into the host bacterium. The life cycle of a bacteriophage can follow two main pathways: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. In the lytic cycle, the phage commandeers the host cell's machinery to produce new phages, eventually causing the host cell to burst (lyse) and release the progeny viruses. In the lysogenic cycle, the phage DNA integrates into the host's genome and replicates along with it without immediately harming the host. Under certain conditions, the prophage can enter the lytic cycle.

The discovery of bacteriophages in the early 20th century sparked interest in their potential therapeutic applications, particularly as an alternative to antibiotics. This field, known as phage therapy, has seen renewed attention due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers are investigating phages as a targeted approach to combat bacterial infections, though challenges remain in their development and application.