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 st...

A T-even bacteriophage, such as T4, infects E. coli to replicate.

The phage first attaches to specific receptors on the E. coli cell wall using its tail fibers, ensuring host specificity.

Lysozyme released from the phage’s baseplate weakens the bacterial cell wall, creating an entry point.

The phage then contracts...