LAMBDA BACTERIOPHAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Lambda bacteriophage, also known as phage lambda or simply lambda phage, is a temperate bacteriophage that specifically infects the bacterial host Escherichia coli. The lambda phage belongs to the Siphoviridae family of bacteriophages and is one of the most extensively studied and well-characterized phages.
This virus consists of a double-stranded DNA molecule encased in a protein capsid with a long, noncontractile tail. Lambda phage has a complex life cycle, existing in two distinct states: the lytic mode and the lysogenic mode.
During the lytic cycle, the phage follows a typical viral infection process by attaching itself to the host bacterium, injecting its genetic material, and then taking over the bacterial machinery to produce more phage particles. Eventually, the host cell bursts, releasing a large number of progeny phages that can infect other bacteria.
In contrast, during the lysogenic cycle, the lambda phage integrates its genome into the bacterial chromosome without causing immediate cell lysis. The integrated viral DNA, known as a prophage, remains dormant and is faithfully replicated along with the host DNA during bacterial cell division. Under certain conditions, such as environmental stress or the presence of certain chemicals, the prophage can be induced to enter the lytic cycle and initiate viral replication.
The study of lambda bacteriophages has provided significant insights into the mechanisms of viral infection, DNA recombination, and gene regulation. These phages have been widely used in molecular biology research as a tool for gene cloning, DNA sequencing, and as a vector for gene expression in various organisms.
Common Misspellings for LAMBDA BACTERIOPHAGE
- kambda bacteriophage
- pambda bacteriophage
- oambda bacteriophage
- lzmbda bacteriophage
- lsmbda bacteriophage
- lwmbda bacteriophage
- lqmbda bacteriophage
- lanbda bacteriophage
- lakbda bacteriophage
- lajbda bacteriophage
- lamvda bacteriophage
- lamnda bacteriophage
- lamhda bacteriophage
- lamgda bacteriophage
- lambsa bacteriophage
- lambxa bacteriophage
- lambca bacteriophage
- lambfa bacteriophage
- lambra bacteriophage
- lambea bacteriophage
Etymology of LAMBDA BACTERIOPHAGE
The term "Lambda bacteriophage" is a combination of two components: "Lambda" and "bacteriophage".
1. Lambda: The term "Lambda" comes from the Greek letter "Λ" (lambda). Lambda is a commonly used symbol in mathematics, physics, and various scientific disciplines. In this context, it represents a specific type of bacteriophage.
2. Bacteriophage: The term "bacteriophage" is derived from two Greek words, "bakterion" meaning "small staff" or "rod" and "phagein" meaning "to devour" or "to eat". Thus, "bacteriophage" literally translates to "bacteria eater". Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and use them for replication.
