Bacteriophages – nature’s most successful experiment
Huge numbers and variety of bacteriophages exist on our planet. In this article in Microbiology Today, Graham Hatfull describes this massive reservoir of unidentified genetic information:
You may well be under the impression that the largest number of undiscovered species – and the greatest pool of unknown genes – lie within the considerable biodiversity of the tropical rain forests. Not so. A compelling argument can be made that the biggest reservoir of unidentified genetic information is all around us, in the global population of bacteriophages.
Related:
- MicrobiologyBytes: Bacteriophages
- Bacteriophages for plant disease control
- 5500 Phages examined in the electron microscope
- Bacteriophage infection at the poles
Tags: Bacteria, Bacteriophages, Biology, Environment, Genetics, Microbiology, Science, Virology
