A Diagram of Bacteriophage shows a highly specialized structure, designed for infecting bacterial cells. A bacteriophage structure is made of components including a head or capsid, tail, tail fibers, base plate, and genetic material. The diagram of Bacteriophage class 11 is an important concept in the biology syllabus.
The diagram of the bacteriophage with the label is given below:
Table of Content
What is Bacteriophage?
A bacteriophage is a virus that replicates and infects bacterial cells. The name “bacteriophage” comes from the Greek words “phagein,” which means to consume, and “bakterion,” which means little rod or staff. With their distinct structure and life cycle, bacteriophages are made especially for infecting bacteria. Usually, they are made up of a proteinaceous capsid that encloses a nucleic acid genome (DNA or RNA).
Bacteriophage Structure
Bacteriophages possess a highly specialized structure that is relatively basic, yet tailored for their primary function of infecting bacterial cells. The diagram of bacteriophage shows the structure consisting of many different components:
Head/Capsid
- The proteinaceous structure containing the genetic material (DNA or RNA) shields the viral DNA and is typically icosahedral or cylindrical in form.
- Upon entering the host bacterial cell, the capsid encase and safeguard the genetic material.
Tail
- Tail extends from the head and is made of contractile or helical protein component arrangements.
- It delivers viral genetic material into the host cell, helping in DNA injection and surface attachment.
Tail Fibers or Spikes
- Tail fibers are thin, filamentous structures protruding from the bacteriophage baseplate or tail.
- They identify and attach to host bacterial cell surface receptors and are crucial for infection progression.
Baseplate
- Baseplate are present at the distal end of bacteriphage. It assists in the phage’s adhesion to the host bacterial cell membrane and helps the cell wall to be penetrated.
- Baseplate proteins identify host receptors and induce conformational changes for viral genome injection.
DNA/RNA
The genetic material of bacteriophages can be either DNA or RNA. The viral genome controls the production of viral components and the replication of the viral nucleic acid upon entrance into the host bacterial cell. This results in the generation of fresh viral particles, which in turn cause the host cell to lyse and release progeny phages.
Conclusion – Diagram of Bacteriophage
In conclusion, bacteriophages are the viruses that infect bacteria. The diagram of bacteriophage shows the structure consisting of a baseplate for attachment, a tail connected by fibers, and a head or capsid that houses genetic material. Once within the host cell, the genetic material drives infection, triggering a cascade of events that end with cell lysis and the release of fresh phages. Gaining an understanding of bacteriophages is essential to appreciating their ecological significance and their uses in biotechnology and medicine.
Also Read:
FAQs – Diagram of Bacteriophage
What is Bacteriophage and its Diagram?
Bacteriophages are viral agents that infect and replicate within bacterial cells.They have DNA or RNA genomes, with gene counts varying from a few to several thousand. Capsids may take on icosahedral, filamentous, or head-tail structures.
What are the 2 Types of Bacteriophage?
The two main types of bacteriophages are lytic and lysogenic.
What is the Shape of Bacteriophage?
Bacteriophages can have various shapes, including icosahedral, filamentous, or head-tail structures.
Why is it called Bacteriophage?
The term “bacteriophage” originates from “bacteria” and the Greek word “phagein,” meaning “to devour.” Bacterial infecting viruses.
What is the Largest Bacteriophage?
The largest bacteriophage known, Bacillus megaterium phage G, boasts a head diameter of 160 nm and a tail length of 455 nm.
Who Discovered Bacteriophage?
Bacteriophages were independently discovered by Frederick Twort, a British bacteriologist, in 1915, and Félix d’Hérelle, a French-Canadian microbiologist, in 1917.
Where can I Find Bacteriophage Diagram Class 8?
You can find the labelled diagram of bacteriophage at the top of the article.