Definition:
A bacteriophage, often simply called a phage, is a type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. Bacteriophages are among the most common and diverse entities in the biosphere. They have a unique role in the environment and research due to their specificity to bacterial hosts, making them crucial tools in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and recently, as alternatives to antibiotics in phage therapy. Their structure typically includes a head, containing the genetic material, and a tail, used for attaching to the bacterial cell and injecting the phage DNA.
Etymology & Origin:
The term “bacteriophage” is derived from “bacteria” and the Greek “phagein,” meaning “to devour.” Thus, it literally translates to “bacteria-eater,” reflecting the phage’s role in infecting and often destroying bacterial cells. The discovery of bacteriophages dates back to the early 20th century, attributed to Frederick Twort and Felix d’Herelle, who observed the mysterious agent that could pass through filters that retained bacteria and was capable of killing them.
Examples:
- Therapeutic Use: Bacteriophages have been explored as an alternative to traditional antibiotics, especially in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
- Biological Control: In agriculture, phages are used to combat bacterial diseases in plants without harming the plants or the environment.
- Diagnostic Tools: Phages have been developed as tools for detecting specific bacteria in food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics.
