Bacteriophage Diversity and Targeting Mechanisms

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What is the role of tail fibers in a bacteriophage?

Form the hollow tube through which the phage genome is transferred

Transfer the phage genome to the host cell

Help in the replication of the phage genome

Facilitate the attachment of the phage to the host cell (correct)

What characterizes a lysogenic life cycle of a bacteriophage?

The phage genome integrates into the bacterial chromosome (correct)

It leads to the lysis of host bacteria

It involves complete control over the host cellular mechanism

Produce thousands of new phages which infect other bacteria nearby

What is the key difference between lytic and lysogenic cycles of a bacteriophage?

Lysogenic cycle does not kill the host bacteria, while lytic cycle leads to the death of the host cell (correct)

Lysogenic cycle produces thousands of new phages, while lytic cycle establishes a dormant stage

Lysogenic cycle involves phage replication, while lytic cycle integrates phage genome into bacterial chromosome

Lysogenic cycle causes lysis of the host cell, while lytic cycle establishes a dormant stage

What is the main difference between the lysogenic and lytic cycles of viral replication?

Lysogenic cycle doesn't involve viral proteins, while lytic cycle releases virions bursting and killing the host cell. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't the host cell machinery differentiate between viral DNA and its own DNA during the lysogenic cycle?

The chemical composition of viral DNA is the same as that of the host cell's DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the lytic cycle considered a major cause of high infectivity rates of viral diseases?

It releases millions of virions that can infect new sets of host cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles of viruses?

Lytic cycle results in the production of new virus particles, while the lysogenic cycle results in the virus being in a prophage state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tail fibers in a bacteriophage structure?

Help in recognizing receptors on the bacterial cell wall Signup and view all the answers

Why is it more likely for a lysogenic cycle to convert into a lytic one than vice versa?

The conversion requires viral genome integration into host genome, which is already present in lysogenic viruses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step after phage genome replication in the lytic cycle?

Biosynthesis of other viral components Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of endonucleases encoded by phage genomes during the lytic cycle?

Destroy the bacterial chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the transition from the lysogenic to the lytic cycle in a phage?

Encountering nutritional deficiencies Signup and view all the answers

What is lysogenic conversion in a phage life cycle?

Changes in host phenotype due to prophage presence Signup and view all the answers

What happens upon induction of a prophage during the lysogenic life cycle?

Prophage gets excised and enters the lytic cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which genes within a prophage can lead to lysogenic conversion?

Virulence genes Signup and view all the answers

Bacteriophage Diversity and Targeting Mechanisms

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