T phages are a group of bacteriophages, also known as bacterial viruses, that specifically infect Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Bacteriophages are viruses that target and replicate within bacterial cells, ultimately leading to their destruction.
T phages were named after the American bacteriologist Max Delbrück's class T, which encompasses all phages that infect E. coli. These phages are structurally diverse and encompass several families, including T2, T4, and T6 phages, among others.
T phages have a complex life cycle that involves both lytic and lysogenic phases. During the lytic cycle, the phage injects its genetic material into the bacterial cell, taking over the host's machinery to produce more copies of itself. This eventually ruptures the bacterial cell, releasing the newly formed phages to infect more bacteria. In contrast, during the lysogenic cycle, the phage's DNA integrates into the bacterial chromosome and becomes dormant. The phage replicates each time the bacterium divides, potentially remaining integrated for an extended period.
T phages have been extensively studied due to their unusual characteristics and mechanisms. They have contributed significantly to the field of molecular biology, particularly in the understanding of DNA replication, recombination, and repair processes. Furthermore, T phages have also proved useful for genetic engineering experiments, allowing researchers to introduce specific DNA sequences into bacterial genomes.
Overall, T phages play a crucial role in the bacterial ecosystem, acting as both regulators and agents of bacterial evolution and adaptation.
