Microbiology: An Evolving Science (Fourth Edition)
Microbiology: An Evolving Science (Fourth Edition)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780393615098
Author: John W. Foster, Joan L. Slonczewski
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 11, Problem 1RQ
Summary Introduction

To review:

The attachment of the lambda phage virus to the host cell and the process of insertion of its genome for replication.

Introduction:

Lambda phage is a bacterial virus that infects Escherichia coli (a bacterial species). Phage virus contains a head, tail, and tail fibers. The head of the phage has double-stranded linear genome and accessory proteins. During infection, the phage particle recognizes the host and binds to its cell.

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Explanation of Solution

The bacteriophages need to infect a host for reproduction. Some of the phages reproduce through a lytic cycle while others can alternate between both lytic and lysogenic cycles. Lambda phage can switch between the lytic and lysogenic cycle when infecting E.coli bacteria. The phage particle during infection recognizes its host and ejects its deoxyribonucleotide acid (DNA) into the bacterial cytoplasm through its tail by the process of transduction. The circularized DNA undergoes several rounds of bidirectional replication to infect the host cell.

During the lytic cycle, the lambda DNA replicates to produce new phage particles. All these events of infection are followed by cell lysis to release cell contents, including virions that have been assembled into the environment. Under certain circumstances, the lambda phage integrates with the host cell chromosome in lysogenic pathway. The lambda DNA at this state is called a prophage and remains within the host genome without causing any harm.

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