Team:BYU Provo/Project/Background

Bacteriophages

Cholera

Bacteriophages

Phage as an Organism

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. They are composed of a capsid and a tail made of protein. Inside the capsid, bacteriophages have either a DNA or RNA genome. Because they are so simple, they cannot replicate on their own. To do so, a bacteriophage must attach to a bacterial cell membrane and inject its genome into the cell. The bacterial cell's machinery will replicate the genome and produce the viral proteins. These come together to make new bacteriophage progeny that will subsequently exit the cell.

Traditional Use of Phage

Emerging Use of Phage

Cholera

Cholera, the Disease

Quorum Sensing

Biofilm

Use of Phage in Combat