Q beta phage, also referred to as Qβ phage, is a bacteriophage that infects the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) and belongs to the family Leviviridae. It has a single-stranded RNA genome enclosed in a protein capsid, which exhibits an icosahedral structure. Q beta phage is notable for being lytic and non-temperate, meaning it solely follows the lytic cycle during infection.
The life cycle of Q beta phage involves four main steps: adsorption, penetration, replication, and release. Initially, the phage attaches to the outer cell membrane of E. coli using tail fibers, subsequently injecting its RNA genome into the host bacterium through its tail. The viral genome then functions as mRNA, directly engaging host ribosomes for the synthesis of viral proteins and replication of the RNA genome. Once the assembly of new phage particles is completed, the host cell is lysed, leading to the release of progeny phages.
Q beta phage has gained prominence in scientific research due to its unique features, making it a valuable tool in molecular biology studies. Its RNA genome provides a platform for investigating RNA-protein interactions, RNA folding, translation mechanisms, and more. Additionally, Q beta phage has been utilized as a molecular clone for numerous applications, including the construction of RNA-based sensors and nanodevices due to its inherent self-assembly properties.
To summarize, Q beta phage is a lytic bacteriophage that infects E. coli, characterized by its single-stranded RNA genome and non-temperate nature. Its life cycle involves adsorption, penetration, replication, and release. Q beta phage holds significance as a research tool in molecular biology and provides opportunities for
