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Lambda Phage

Enterobacteria phage λ

HeadLong TailJ Protein

Description

A temperate bacteriophage that can either kill its host or hide inside its genome for generations.

TypeSiphoviridae

ShapeIcosahedral head + long non-contractile tail

SizeHead: 50 nm, Tail: 150 nm

GenomeDouble-stranded DNA

Discovered1950

MortalityN/A

Discovery

Discovered in 1950 by Esther Lederberg

Transmission

Infects E. coli bacteria

Symptoms

Lysogenic cycle (can hide inside bacterial DNA)

💊 Treatment / Medicine

Used in genetic engineering and research

🛡️ Prevention

N/A

💡

Lambda phage is a 'genetic switch'—it can choose between killing the cell or becoming part of it!

Structural Components

Head

Icosahedral container for DNA

Long Tail

Flexible tube used to find E. coli

J Protein

Tip of the tail that recognizes host receptors

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