Bacteriophages are viruses known to infect bacteria and keep bacterial populations in check. Their ability to selectively kill bacteria also has medical doctors excited. Natural and engineered phages have been successfully used to treat bacterial infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
Ivan Erill, PhD, discusses how virulent and temperate phages work, invade and replicate in target cells’ DNA as well as repair DNA in the article and in the You Tube video.
Source: The Conversation, October 19, 2021. Link.
So while you may be used to thinking of viruses as the quintessential villains, they are arguably nature’s powerhouses for genetic innovation. Humans are likely here today because of them.” – Ivan Erill, PhD
INSIGHTS: This video was made possible by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.