Which statements describe a bacteriophage? Select all that apply.
a. It is a type of virus that infects bacteria.
b. It is a type of bacteria that infects viruses.
c. It is a virus consisting of a protein coat and a DNA core.
d. It is a bacterial strain consisting of protein and a DNA core.
Answer:
A,C
Explanation:
Group of viruses that infect bacteria, and makes use of the bacteria resources for its own reproductive activities are called Bacteriophage. They vary in shape and sizes, specific to Bacteria at infection and present all around us.
There genetic material are either DNA or RNA,and protected by layers of protein inform of coat (encapsulated) called capsid. They usually attached to the bacteria host with the aid of tail of fibres directly attached to the coat.
They have two life-cycle for colonizing the bacterial host,
The Lytic cycle where the virus take over the entire bacteria host machinery, colonized it with phages and makes the bacterial to explode, killing it.
Lysogenic cycle where the virus colonize the entire genetic machinery of the host bacteria chromosomes by inserting its DNA into the host to become Viral DNA (and replicate) this through out the host system.
Thus taken over the entire system of the host
They are used medically for treating infection, in food industry, diagnosis of diseases etc,
