Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Bacteriophage: Filamentous Phage Infections

Microbiology

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Bacteriophage: Filamentous Phage Infections

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Multiple Choice

Some filamentous phages infect the host bacterium using the bacterium's pilus. How does this process work?

The phage uses the pilus to begin the process of entering the bacterium via endocytosis.

The phage uses the pilus to trigger cell lysis to release the newly created filamentous phages.

The phage transfers its viral DNA through the pilus into the bacterium.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the pilus: The pilus is a hair-like appendage found on the surface of many bacteria. It is primarily used for attachment to surfaces and for the transfer of genetic material between bacteria, a process known as conjugation.

Identify the function of filamentous phages: Filamentous phages are a type of bacteriophage that infect bacteria. Unlike lytic phages, they do not cause immediate lysis of the host cell but instead integrate their DNA into the host, allowing for continuous production of new phages.

Recognize the mechanism of DNA transfer: In the case of filamentous phages, the pilus acts as a conduit for the transfer of viral DNA from the phage into the bacterial cell. This process is similar to bacterial conjugation, where DNA is transferred through the pilus.

Clarify the process of infection: The filamentous phage attaches to the pilus of the host bacterium. Once attached, the phage uses the pilus as a channel to inject its viral DNA into the bacterial cell.

Conclude with the outcome of the infection: After the viral DNA is inside the bacterium, it can integrate into the host genome or exist as a plasmid, allowing the bacterium to replicate the phage DNA along with its own, leading to the production of new phage particles without killing the host cell.