Name: how dna phages replicate in bacteria
Uploaded: 2025-06-12T09:30:01.000Z
Duration: 1 min 26 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Virginia  Standards of Learning

HIgh School

Biology

BIO.4

BIO.4.a

DNA Bacteriophages

I batteriofagi a DNA sono virus che si presentano in varie forme e infettano i batteri iniettando il loro DNA. Possono avere DNA a singolo filamento chiamato ssDNA o DNA a doppio filamento chiamato genomi dsDNA. Ad esempio, il fago ΦX174, un fago icosaedrico ssDNA, ha un piccolo genoma con geni sovrapposti. Ciò consente di codificare più proteine attraverso diversi frame di lettura. Questo fago si replica attraverso la replicazione a cerchio rotante, formando un intermedio a doppio filamento prima di generare nuovi genomi. Infine, la progenie viene rilasciata attraverso la lisi dell'ospite. Al contrario, M13, un fago filamentoso di ssDNA, esce dalla cellula ospite attraverso l'estrusione piuttosto che la lisi, consentendo la produzione continua di fagi mantenendo in vita l'ospite. Tra i fagi del dsDNA, il fago T7 si replica in modo bidirezionale, formando concatemeri processati da un enzima terminasi per l'impacchettamento del genoma. D'altra parte, Mu avvia la replicazione attraverso la trasposizione, inserendosi in più siti in tutto il genoma ospite. Quindi asporta e impacchetta il suo genoma lineare in nuovi virioni.

batteriofagi a dna

I batteriofagi, o fagi, sono virus che infettano specificamente i batteri, utilizzando il loro materiale genetico per dirottare la macchina cellulare dell&#8217;ospite e replicarsi. I fagi a DNA possiedono dei genomi costituiti da DNA a singolo filamento (ssDNA) o a doppio filamento (dsDNA). Questi virus mostrano delle strategie replicative e interazioni con l&#8217;ospite molto diversificate, influenzando i loro ruoli ecologici e le applicazioni in biotecnologia e medicina.
Batteriofagi a ssDNA
I fagi a ssDNA, grazie ai loro genomi di piccole dimensioni, adottano strategie uniche per massimizzare l&#8217;efficienza genetica. Il fago &#934;X174, un virus icosaedrico a ssDNA, ne &#232; un esempio, poich&#233; utilizza i geni sovrapposti in cui diversi frame di lettura codificano proteine distinte. Questa strategia ottimizza l&#8217;uso del genoma compatto. La replicazione inizia con la sintesi di un filamento complementare, formando un intermedio a doppio filamento noto come forma replicativa (RF). Questa RF funge da stampo per la replicazione a cerchio rotante, producendo nuovi genomi virali che vengono poi impacchettati nei virioni. Una volta completata la replicazione, il fago liscia l&#8217;ospite batterico, rilasciando le progenie.
Al contrario, il fago M13, un virus filamentoso a ssDNA, segue una strategia di rilascio differente. Invece di impacchettare immediatamente i genomi nei virioni e rilasciarli tramite lisi, i virioni di M13 si assemblano alla membrana batterica e vengono secreti in modo continuo attraverso un processo di estrusione, permettendo alla cellula ospite di sopravvivere e continuare a produrre fagi. Questa caratteristica di produzione sostenuta &#232; ampiamente sfruttata in tecniche di biologia molecolare come il phage display e le tecnologie del DNA ricombinante.
Batteriofagi a dsDNA
A differenza dei fagi a ssDNA, i fagi a dsDNA adottano meccanismi replicativi pi&#249; complessi, ampliando le loro interazioni con gli ospiti batterici. Il fago T7 impiega un meccanismo di replicazione bidirezionale altamente efficiente. Una volta all&#8217;interno del citoplasma batterico, T7 inizia la replicazione da un unico sito di origine, procedendo in entrambe le direzioni. Degno di nota &#232; l&#8217;uso da parte di T7 della propria DNA polimerasi codificata dal fago, che migliora la velocit&#224; della replicazione. Inoltre, la RNA polimerasi di T7 svolge un ruolo cruciale nel coordinare l&#8217;espressione genica e l&#8217;efficienza replicativa. Le nuove molecole di DNA sintetizzate formano concatameri, lunghi filamenti continui contenenti unit&#224; genomiche multiple. Questi concatameri vengono successivamente processati da un enzima terminasi, che li taglia in segmenti della dimensione di un genoma per l&#8217;incapsidamento nei nuovi virioni. Questa strategia replicativa efficiente ha reso T7 un sistema modello nella biologia sintetica e nell&#8217;ingegneria genetica.
Il fago Mu, un altro batteriofago a dsDNA, si replica attraverso un meccanismo basato sulla trasposizione piuttosto che tramite cerchio rotante o replicazione bidirezionale convenzionale. Si integra in vari siti del genoma batterico e attraversa cicli multipli di trasposizione prima di escindersi per l&#8217;impacchettamento nei nuovi virioni. La trasposizione del fago Mu duplica il DNA dell&#8217;ospite nei siti di inserzione, spesso interrompendo geni, rendendolo uno strumento utile per la mutagenesi e la mappatura del genoma batterico.

Batteriofagi a DNA

I batteriofagi, o fagi, sono virus che infettano specificamente i batteri, utilizzando il loro materiale genetico per dirottare la macchina cellulare ...

Education

Didattica

JoVE Core

Microbiology

Microbiologia

Unit

Unità

Viruses

Virus

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TERMINI E CONCETTI CHIAVE

how dna phages replicate in bacteria

DNA bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and use bacterial cell machinery to make more copies of themselves. They carry either single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and each group uses a different replication strategy. Their life cycles also shape how they interact with hosts and how scientists use them in biotechnology and medicine.

Some ssDNA phages keep their genomes very small and compact. The icosahedral phage ΦX174 shows this clearly because it uses overlapping genes, so different reading frames can code for different proteins. After infection, it first makes a complementary DNA strand. This creates a double-stranded replicative form, or RF, which then serves as the template for rolling circle replication.

Rolling circle replication produces new viral genomes that are packaged into virions. When replication ends, the phage lyses the bacterial host and releases the new particles. M13, another ssDNA phage, follows a different path. Its virions assemble at the bacterial membrane and are secreted continuously by extrusion, so the host cell stays alive and keeps making phages.

That steady release makes M13 useful in molecular biology. Scientists use it in phage display and in recombinant DNA work. These applications depend on the phage’s ability to keep producing particles without immediately killing the bacterium.

dsDNA bacteriophages use more elaborate replication systems. T7 begins replication at a unique origin site inside the bacterial cytoplasm and copies its DNA in both directions. It uses phage-encoded DNA polymerase, which helps replication move quickly. T7 RNA polymerase also helps coordinate gene expression and replication efficiency.

The new T7 DNA molecules form concatemers, which are long DNA strands that contain multiple genome copies. A terminase enzyme then cuts these strands into genome-sized pieces for packaging into new phage particles. This efficient system has made T7 a model for synthetic biology and genetic engineering.

Mu phage is another dsDNA bacteriophage, but it does not use a standard rolling circle or bidirectional pattern. Instead, it replicates through transposition, which means it inserts into different sites in the bacterial genome and makes multiple rounds of movement before it is excised for packaging. This process duplicates host DNA at the insertion site and can disrupt genes, which is why Mu is useful for mutagenesis and bacterial genome mapping.

How DNA Phages Replicate in Bacteria

introduction to virus

Virus Structure, Entry, and Replication

Viruses are biological entities that rely on host cells to make more copies of themselves. They do not have cells or their own metabolism, but they can show signs of life when they infect a host. Their basic structure includes a nucleic acid core, made of either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. Viruses are classified by the type of nucleic acid they contain and by their structure. Some viruses also have a lipid envelope that comes from the host cell membrane. Enveloped...

size and structure of viral genomes

How Viral Genomes Replicate

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viral replication: lytic cycle

T4 Phage Infection of E. coli

T4 phage infection of E. coli follows a lytic cycle that lets the virus make many copies fast. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria, and T-even phages such as T4 are known for this well-studied process. The cycle ends with the destruction of the bacterial host. The first step is attachment to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers on the phage bind to receptor molecules on the bacterial outer membrane, which helps the virus find the correct host. After binding, the...

viral replication: lysogenic cycle

Prophage Integration in Bacterial Cells

The lysogenic cycle shows how a bacteriophage can stay inside a bacterial cell without killing it right away. Temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), use this strategy to persist in Escherichia coli while the host cell remains alive. After attachment to the bacterial surface, the phage injects its genetic material into the cytoplasm. The linear phage genome then circularizes, which helps protect it from host nucleases. Next, phage-encoded integrase carries out recombination that...

dna bacteriophages

DNA bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and use bacterial cell machinery to make more copies of themselves. They carry either single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and each group uses a different replication strategy. Their life cycles also shape how they interact with hosts and how scientists use them in biotechnology and medicine. Some ssDNA phages keep their genomes very small and compact. The icosahedral phage ΦX174 shows this clearly because it uses...

viruses of archaea

Archaeal Virus Shapes and Extreme Survival

Archaeal viruses infect archaea that live in extreme places such as acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents. These hosts often belong to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. The viruses help shape host evolution and gene transfer, which adds genetic diversity to microbial communities in harsh environments. Most archaeal viruses carry double-stranded DNA, or dsDNA, genomes. Some have single-stranded DNA, and some have RNA genomes. Their virions, or complete virus particles, show unusual...

viruses with rna genomes

RNA Virus Replication Strategies

RNA viruses use several replication strategies based on their genome type. They are grouped as positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded RNA viruses. Some RNA viruses also use reverse transcription, which adds another layer to how they copy their genetic material. Positive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that can act like messenger RNA, or mRNA, as soon as they enter a cell. This lets the virus begin making proteins right away. Bacteriophage MS2 infects Escherichia coli by attaching...

the antiviral system of bacteria and archaea: crispr

the-antiviral-system-of-bacteria-and-archaea-crispr

How CRISPR Remembers Viral Infections

CRISPR is an adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea that helps protect cells from viral infection. It works by identifying foreign genetic material, remembering it, and stopping the same invader later. In many cases, the main targets are bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. The first defense step begins during an initial infection. Cas proteins, which are CRISPR-associated proteins, detect foreign DNA by looking for specific sequences called Protospacer Adjacent...

crispr/cas9 genome editing

CRISPR-Cas9 and DNA Repair in Cells

CRISPR-Cas9 uses a bacterial defense system to change DNA in cells. The CRISPR-Cas system first evolved in prokaryotes to protect bacteria from invading genetic material such as viruses and plasmids. Scientists later adapted it into a genome-editing tool for plants, animals, and humans. The key enzyme is Cas9, a DNA-cutting protein called an endonuclease from Streptococcus pyogenes. In the lab, a synthetic single guide RNA, or sgRNA, directs Cas9 to a chosen DNA site. The sgRNA matches the...

subviral agents

Viroids, Prions, and Satellite Viruses

Viroids, prions, and satellites are subviral agents that can cause infection even though they are not complete viruses. They resemble viruses in spread and disease, but each lacks one or more key viral parts, such as a capsid or the machinery needed for replication. Viroids are the simplest of these agents. They are circular, single-stranded RNA molecules with no protein coat. Viroids infect plants only and depend on host cell machinery to copy themselves. Host RNA polymerase replicates them...

key terms and concepts

Learn how DNA bacteriophages copy their genomes in bacteria, from ΦX174 and M13 to T7 and Mu, with clear examples of replication and packaging.

How DNA Phages Replicate in Bacteria | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Microbiology provides an engaging introduction to the microbial world and its influence on health, industry, and the environment. This comprehensive collection covers key concepts such as microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, and ecology. It introduces essential laboratory techniques and microscopy methods through visually engaging animations. Corresponding scientist-in-action videos bridge classroom concepts with real-world research and applications.

microbiology

Alabama Course of Study Science

9-12

Unity and Diversity

9-12.B.4.13.a

Introduction to Virus

Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic ...

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. ...

Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized ...

Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. ...

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for ...

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and ...

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. ...

The Antiviral System of Bacteria and Archaea: CRISPR

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats is a adaptive immune system found in bacteria and archaea that protects ...

CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing

The CRISPR-Cas system serves as a bacterial defense mechanism against invading genetic elements such as viruses and plasmids, forming the foundation for ...

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. ...

The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include  viruses depend on a host for metabolic processes;

Binary Fission

Binary fission is the primary mode of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, such as bacteria. It results in the production of two genetically identical ...

Generation Time

Bacterial generation time, the period required for a bacterial population to double during its exponential growth phase, serves as a critical measure of ...

Bacterial Growth Curve

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Microbial Growth Measurement: Direct Methods

Direct methods for measuring microbial populations in a culture are essential tools in microbiology, providing quantitative data for various applications. ...

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Microbial Growth Measurement: Indirect Methods

Estimating microbial growth is essential for understanding population dynamics and environmental adaptations. Indirect methods provide valuable insights ...

Microbial Growth Media

Microbial growth media are essential tools in microbiology, providing the nutrients and conditions necessary to cultivate and study microorganisms. These ...

Need for Obtaining Pure Cultures

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Techniques for Isolation of Pure Cultures

Microorganisms are routinely cultured in the laboratory using various techniques to isolate, grow, and quantify them for further study. These methods rely ...

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH

Microorganisms are classified as acidophiles, neutrophiles, or alkaliphiles based on their pH growth preferences, reflecting their adaptations to specific ...

factors-influencing-microbial-growth-temperature

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature

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factors-influencing-microbial-growth-osmolarity

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity

Osmolarity is the measure of solute concentration in a solution. It plays a critical role in determining water availability for organisms. Water moves ...

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while ...

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial ...

The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include the modes of reproduction/replication can be compared

BIO.4.b

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells represent two fundamental types of cellular organization, differing significantly in structure, complexity, and function. ...

Microbial Morphologies 

Bacterial and archaeal cells exhibit remarkable diversity in shape and structure, critical in their adaptability and functionality. Among bacteria, the ...

Bacterial Cell Wall 

The bacterial cell wall is an essential structural component that encases the plasma membrane, preserving cellular integrity, determining shape, and ...

Archaeal Cell Wall

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Peptidoglycan Synthesis

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Plasma Membrane in Bacteria and Archaea

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Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope

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Flagella and Motility in Bacteria

Flagella are specialized, thread-like structures that extend from a bacteria's cell envelope. They play a crucial role in motility and chemotaxis. Their ...

Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments

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Cell Inclusions

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Endospores and Sporulation

Endospores are specialized, dormant cells primarily formed by Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus and Clostridium, enabling survival under extreme ...

Nucleoid

The nucleoid represents a structurally and functionally distinct region within prokaryotic cells, where the cell's DNA and associated proteins are housed. ...

Surface Appendages of Archaea

Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, ...

The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include  the structures and functions can be compared

BIO.4.c

Types of Microorganisms

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Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

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Community DNA Extraction from Bacterial Colonies

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner
Traditional methods of analysis ...

detecting-environmental-microorganisms-with-polymerase-chain-reaction

Detecting Environmental Microorganisms with the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Gel Electrophoresis

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - Arizona University
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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is ...

rna-analysis-of-environmental-samples-using-rt-pcr

RNA Analysis of Environmental Samples Using RT-PCR

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Bradley Schmitz
Reverse ...

quantifying-environmental-microorganisms-and-viruses-using-qpcr

Quantifying Environmental Microorganisms and Viruses Using qPCR

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Bradley Schmitz
Quantitative polymerase ...

water-quality-analysis-via-indicator-organisms

Water Quality Analysis via Indicator Organisms

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba -The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner
Water quality analysis monitors ...

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Isolation of Fecal Bacteria from Water Samples by Filtration

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner
The quality of water destined ...

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Detection of Bacteriophages in Environmental Samples

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Alex Wassimi
Viruses are a unique group of ...

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Culturing and Enumerating Bacteria from Soil Samples

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bacterial-growth-curve-analysis-and-its-environmental-applications

Bacterial Growth Curve Analysis and its Environmental Applications

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner
Bacteria are among the most ...

The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include  bacteria and viruses have a role in other organisms and the environment; and

BIO.4.d

History of Microbiology

Microbiology, a scientific field dedicated to the study of microorganisms, has undergone profound development since its inception in the 17th century. Its ...

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. ...

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal ...

The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include  the germ theory of infectious disease is supported by evidence.

BIO.4.e

How DNA Phages Replicate in Bacteria

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