Phages T, also known as T phages, are a group of bacteriophages that infect the bacterium Escherichia coli. Bacteriophages, commonly referred to as phages, are viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria. Phages T belong to the family Myoviridae and possess a complex structure consisting of a contractile tail, a hexagonal head, and tail fibers.
These viruses have made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology, especially in understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation and DNA replication. They have been extensively studied due to their ability to integrate their genetic material into the host DNA, leading to genetic recombination and the potential transfer of traits between bacteria. Phages T have proven to be valuable tools for studying bacterial genetics and have facilitated breakthroughs in recombinant DNA technology.
The name "T phages" originates from a system developed by Max Delbrück, which classified bacteriophages based on their growth characteristics in the bacterial cell culture. The designation "T" represents a specific bacteriophage designed for a particular E. coli strain. Multiple strains of T phages have been identified, including T1, T2, T3, and many others, each displaying unique features and properties.
Phages T have been widely used in research laboratories for various purposes, including studying bacterial physiology, understanding the mechanisms of bacteriophage infection, and exploring molecular biology techniques. Their significance in scientific research lies in their ability to serve as models for understanding complex biological processes and in their potential applications in areas such as phage therapy, biotechnology, and genetic engineering.
