Enterobacteria phage fr is a bacteriophage that specifically infects and replicates within Enterobacteria, a family of Gram-negative bacteria. It belongs to the family of Siphoviridae, which are characterized by long, non-contractile tails.
The phage fr has a double-stranded DNA genome consisting of approximately 47,994 base pairs. It is a temperate phage, meaning it has the ability to follow either a lytic or lysogenic life cycle. In the lytic cycle, the phage utilizes the host machinery to replicate its DNA, transcribe its genes, and assemble new viral particles. Eventually, the bacterial host cell is lysed, releasing a large number of progeny phages. In the lysogenic cycle, the phage integrates its DNA into the bacterial genome, becoming a prophage, and replicates along with the host cell.
Enterobacteria phage fr is capable of infecting various bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. Its specificity targets the F-pili, a filamentous appendage associated with bacterial conjugation. The F-pili are essential for the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells. By infecting these pilus structures, phage fr disrupts the conjugative transfer process, preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and reducing the potential for horizontal gene transfer.
Studying Enterobacteria phage fr is crucial for understanding bacterial pathogenesis, as well as exploring alternative strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Its unique biological properties and genetic makeup make it a valuable tool in research and potentially in future therapeutic applications.
