T4 bacteriophage viruses. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of T4 bacteriophage viruses (yellow) attacking an Escherichia coli bacterium. Each phage consists of a large DNA-containing head and a tail composed of a central sheath with several fibres. The fibres attach to the host cell surface, and the phage DNA is injected into the cell through the sheath. The phage DNA hijacks the bacterium's own cellular machinery, forcing it to produce more copies of the bacteriophage (progeny, in cell). When a sufficient number have been produced, the phages burst out of the cell, killing it. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Simon, Lee D. |
Bildgröße: | 2475 px × 1650 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |