What are phages and how do they kill bacteria?
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. They are the most abundant microorganisms on earth. Typical phages have hollow heads, where the phage DNA or RNA is stored, and tunnel tails, the tips of which have the ability to bind to specific molecules on the surface of their target bacteria. The phage DNA is then injected through the phage tail into the host cell, where it directs the production of progeny phages, often more than 100 in 20 – 40 minutes. These “young” phages burst from the host cell, killing it, and infect more bacteria. See a simulation of the above-described process in the right margin (Requires RealPlayer). Phages are very specific. They can only infect their targeted bacteria, and they have no effect on any human, animal, plant, insect, etc. cells.
