IKe Phages, also known as the IKe-like bacteriophages, are a group of bacteriophages that infect and replicate within bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. They are classified under the Podoviridae family, which includes viruses with a short non-contractile tail structure. The name "IKe" is derived from the first identified phage in this group, the IKe bacteriophage.
These phages have a complex morphology with an icosahedral head and a short tail attached to it. The head is composed of protein capsids that encapsulate the phage's genetic material. It is believed that the IKe Phages have double-stranded DNA genomes, which contain the necessary information to produce the phage's structural and functional proteins.
IKe Phages generally exhibit a lytic life cycle, wherein they infect bacterial cells, hijack their host's replication machinery, replicate their genetic material, and produce new phage particles within the cell. Once replication is complete, the bacterial cell is lysed, releasing a large number of phages that can go on to infect other susceptible bacteria.
These phages have been studied extensively for their potential use in phage therapy, a therapeutic approach that utilizes bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections. Their specificity for bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella species, makes them a promising candidate for targeting these pathogens.
In summary, IKe Phages are a group of bacteriophages that infect bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. They have a complex morphology with an icosahedral head and a short tail. These phages have a lytic life cycle and show potential for use in phage
