Enterobacteria phage T2

Enterobacteria phage T2 is a type of bacteriophage that specifically infects and replicates within bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly targeting Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. This phage is a member of the T-even bacteriophages, which also includes T4 and T6, among others. These phages are known for their complex structure and sophisticated life cycle, which have been subjects of extensive research due to their implications in molecular biology and genetics.

Structure

Enterobacteria phage T2 is characterized by its icosahedral head, which contains its DNA material, and a tail structure that is used for attachment to the host cell. The tail is complex, consisting of a base plate, tail fibers, and a sheath that contracts during infection, injecting the phage DNA into the host cell. The T2 phage is notable for its large size and the complexity of its tail structure, which have made it a model organism in the study of phage morphology and genetics.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Enterobacteria phage T2 can be divided into several stages: attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, maturation, and release.

1. Attachment: The T2 phage attaches to specific receptors on the surface of the E. coli cell, typically involving lipopolysaccharides or outer membrane proteins.

2. Penetration: Upon attachment, the phage injects its DNA into the host cell by contracting its tail sheath and piercing the cell membrane.

3. Biosynthesis: The phage DNA hijacks the host cell's machinery to begin synthesizing phage components, including new DNA, proteins, and capsids.

4. Maturation: Newly synthesized components are assembled into complete phage particles within the host cell.

5. Release: The host cell is lysed, often through the action of phage-encoded enzymes, releasing the newly formed phage particles to infect adjacent cells.

Genetics

The genome of Enterobacteria phage T2 is composed of double-stranded DNA. It contains a wealth of genetic information that codes for the phage's structural proteins, enzymes necessary for DNA replication, and proteins involved in cell lysis. The study of T2 and other T-even phages has been instrumental in understanding the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and translation, as well as the regulation of gene expression.

Applications

Research on Enterobacteria phage T2 has contributed significantly to the fields of molecular biology and genetics. It has been used as a tool to understand bacterial infections, the interactions between viruses and their hosts, and the fundamental processes of life at the molecular level. Additionally, phages like T2 are being explored for their potential in phage therapy, an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections.

See Also

• Bacteriophage
• Escherichia coli
• Phage therapy
• Molecular biology
• Genetics