what virus infects bacteria

1 answer

Viruses that infect bacteria are known as bacteriophages, or simply phages. Bacteriophages are a type of virus that specifically targets and replicates within bacterial cells. They are composed of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, and they can have various shapes and structures. Bacteriophages play an important role in the environment and can influence bacterial populations in ecosystems. They are also being explored for therapeutic uses, such as phage therapy, as an alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.