Chapter 9, Problem 8RQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The protection mechanism used by bacterial cells against invading bacteriophages.

Introduction:

A bacteriophage or simply the phage is the virus that infects the bacterial cell and uses its machinery to replicate within the cell. The genetic material of a phage is in the form of a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) encapsulated by the protein coat called the capsid. This protein coat is made up of various monomeric units called capsomeres. A bacteriophage attaches itself to the wall of the host bacterium and injects the genetic material into the host leaving the protein coat outside.