T-like viruses, also known as T4-like viruses, are a group of bacteriophages that belong to the family Myoviridae and genus T4virus. These viruses are referred to as "T-like" due to their morphological similarity to the well-studied bacteriophage T4.
T-like viruses are composed of a head or capsid, a tail, and tail fibers. The head contains the genetic material, which is usually composed of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Surrounding the head is the tail, which serves as a conduit for the genetic material to enter the host bacterium during infection. The tail fibers are present at the distal end of the tail and aid in host recognition and attachment.
These viruses are obligate parasites of bacterial cells and predominantly infect Escherichia coli, a common bacterium found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans. T-like viruses play a crucial role in the regulation of bacterial populations by efficiently killing the infected host cells through a lytic life cycle.
T4-like viruses are extensively studied due to their historical importance in the field of molecular biology as model organisms. The T4 bacteriophage, in particular, has provided valuable insights into genetic recombination, DNA replication, and mechanisms of virus-host interactions.
In conclusion, T-like viruses are a group of bacteriophages that share morphological similarities with the famous T4 bacteriophage. These viruses infect bacterial cells, primarily E. coli, and have been widely studied for their contribution to our understanding of key biological processes.
