Bacteriophage: A Virus that Attacks Bacteria

Bacteriophage, also known as phage, is a type of virus that specifically infects and replicates within bacterial cells. Let's explore this statement in detail to understand why option 'B' is the correct answer.

What is a Bacteriophage?
A bacteriophage is a type of virus that infects bacteria. The term 'bacteriophage' originates from the Greek words 'bacteria' (meaning bacteria) and 'phagein' (meaning to eat). Bacteriophages are extremely diverse, with different species infecting various types of bacteria.

Mode of Action
When a bacteriophage encounters a susceptible bacterium, it attaches to the bacterial cell wall using specific surface receptors. Each bacteriophage has a tail structure that allows it to inject its genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA, into the bacterial host cell. Once inside, the phage genetic material takes control of the bacterial machinery and forces the bacterium to produce more viral components instead of its own proteins.

Replication Process
The injected phage DNA or RNA takes over the bacterial host cell's protein synthesis machinery and utilizes it to produce viral components, such as viral proteins and genetic material. These components then assemble to form new bacteriophages. Eventually, the bacterial host cell bursts open, releasing the newly formed bacteriophages that can go on to infect and replicate within other bacterial cells.

Importance of Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages play a crucial role in controlling bacterial populations in various ecosystems, including the human body. They act as natural predators of bacteria and help maintain the balance of bacterial communities. Furthermore, bacteriophages have been extensively studied for their potential use in phage therapy, which involves using specific phages to target and kill harmful bacteria in certain infections.

Conclusion
In summary, bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect and replicate within bacterial cells. They attach to the bacterial cell wall, inject their genetic material, take over the bacterial host cell's machinery to produce more viral components, and eventually burst the host cell to release new bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are not bacteria themselves, nor do they kill viruses or multiply inside non-living cells. Therefore, option 'B' correctly describes bacteriophage as a type of virus that attacks bacteria.