Question
Question: What is bacteriophage?...
What is bacteriophage?
Solution
Bacteriophage is a type of virus that affects bacteria. Bacteriophage means “bacteria eaters” because they destroy their host cells.
Complete answer:
Bacteriophage is also known as a phage are viruses whose host is bacteria. Bacteriophages are composed of proteins that encapsulate DNA. During the infection, a phage attaches to the bacterium and inserts its genetic material into the cells of bacteria. Bacteriophage is used as antibiotics since it has the ability to destroy the bacteria. So, they are used for healing the diseases caused in animals and humans by bacteria. Bacteriophages affect the host cells of the bacteria and destroy bacteria without forming any negative effects in animals and humans.
Additional Information:
Bacteriophages were discovered during the early 20th century, since then they are used widely to treat various bacterial diseases in people and animals. The term bacteriophage was derived from “bacteria” and the Greek word phagein meaning “to devour”. Bacteriophages are among the most common entities in the biosphere. Phages are used as the alternative for antibiotics in the former Soviet Union and central Europe. Bacteriophages present in the environment can be used for the disinfection of food-contact surfaces, especially against biofilms. Bacteriophages are viruses that affect bacteria and kill them without any negative effect on humans or animals. So, bacteriophage is used for bacterial infections.
Note:
Bacteriophages are bacterias that affect the bacteria and kill them. They affect the host cells in the bacteria. Bacteriophages are composed of proteins that encapsulate a DNA or RNA genome, and they have a simple structure. The word bacteriophage literally means bacteria eater, they destroy the host cells in bacteria. Phages can be used as food preservatives, especially as they act against biofilms.