A bacteriophage, often abbreviated to 'phage', is a virus that specifically infects bacteria. Bacteriophages are composed of proteins and nucleic acids and typically consist of a head containing genetic material and a tail that helps them attach to and penetrate bacterial cells. They play a critical role in genetics, microbial ecology, and have been investigated for their potential use in bacteriophage therapy to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Bacteriophage meaning with examples
- In recent studies, scientists have identified specific bacteriophages that can effectively target and kill antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, offering new hope for treatment alternatives in modern medicine.
- Bacteriophages are often used in genetic engineering as tools for introducing foreign DNA into bacterial cells, aiding in research and advancing the field of synthetic biology.
- The use of bacteriophages as a natural alternative to antibiotics is gaining attention due to rising concerns over antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, highlighting the importance of understanding their life cycles.
- Researchers are exploring the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a solution for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria in clinical settings, aiming to develop safer and more effective treatment options.
- Educational institutions are incorporating bacteriophage studies into their microbiology curricula to help students understand viral behaviors and their implications for human health and environmental ecosystems.
Bacteriophage Synonyms
antibacterial virus antimicrobial agent bacteria-attacking virus bacterial virus bacteriocin bacteriolytic agent bacteriophage preparation bacteriophage virus bacteriophage-based therapy biological agent genetic vector infectious particle microbial virus pathogen phage phagic agent viral agent virophage virusBacteriophage Antonyms
antibiotic antimicrobial resistance antiviral bacterial biohazard biological threat defensive fungal pathogen immunogenic non-infectious non-pathogenic poison protective protozoan parasite safeguard systemic infection therapeutic toxicity treatment virulence factorBacteriophage Crossword Answers
5 Letters
PHAGE