![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/BA87341E-C876-4456-90F6-3FECAF5541B7/2ADEPDH.jpg)
Bacteriophage T4 viruses. 3D computer illustration of multiple T4 bacteriophage viruses. A bacteriophage, or phage, is a virus that infects bacteria.
Bacteriophage T4 viruses. 3D computer illustration of multiple T4 bacteriophage viruses. A bacteriophage, or phage, is a virus that infects bacteria. Enterobacteria T4 infects E. coli bacteria. It consists of an icosahedral (20-sided) head, which contains the genetic material, a tail (cylindrical) and tail fibres (leg-like). The tail fibres attach to the surface of the bacterium and the tail injects a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) strand into the cell. The viral genetic material then hijacks the bacterium's own cellular machinery, forcing it to produce more copies of the bacteriophage. When a sufficient number have been produced, the phages burst out of the cell, killing it in the process.
Size: 5000px × 3750px
Photo credit: © MAURIZIO DE ANGELIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -, -dimensional, 3-dimensional, 3d, anatomy, artwork, bacteriophage, bacteriophages, biological, biology, cell, cytological, cytology, enterobacteria, illustration, micro-organism, micro-organisms, microbiological, microbiology, microorganism, microorganisms, multiple, particle, particles, phage, phages, t4, viral, virion, virions, virological, virology, virus