TEM of bacterial lysis due to T4 phage infection
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TEM of bacterial lysis due to T4 phage infection
Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) showing lysis (destruction) of a rod-shaped bacterium by T4 bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). Bacteriophages (light ovals with stalks) infect the bacterium, commanding the genetic machinery of the cell to code for its own replication. The bacteriophage population increases at the expense of the normal functioning of the cell. Weakened through neglect & overcrowed with bacteriophage progeny, the delicate plasma membrane binding the cells into a unit, bursts. The bacterium is destroyed; the bacteriophages are released to infect other cells. Mag: X 40, 000 (10x8). (Photographer R.Bijlenga)
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Media ID 6413056
© BIOZENTRUM, UNIVERSITY OF BASEL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bacteriophage Bacteriophages Lysis T4 Bacteriophage Virology Viruses Micro Biology Virus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing moment in the microscopic world of bacteria and viruses. Through the lens of a transmission electron microscope (TEM), we witness the destructive power of T4 bacteriophages, tiny viruses that infect bacteria. In this image, a rod-shaped bacterium finds itself under attack by an army of T4 bacteriophages. The light ovals with stalks represent these viral invaders as they latch onto the bacterial cell. Once attached, they take control over the genetic machinery within the cell, forcing it to produce more copies of themselves. As their numbers multiply rapidly, the delicate plasma membrane that binds these cells together becomes overwhelmed and weakened. Neglected and overcrowded with bacteriophage progeny, this once-unified unit can no longer withstand the pressure. Finally, at its breaking point, the plasma membrane bursts open in an explosive display known as lysis. The destruction is complete; however, for these victorious bacteriophages, it marks only another step in their life cycle. Released from their vanquished host cell's remnants into their newfound freedom, they are now ready to seek out other unsuspecting bacterial cells to continue their infectious journey. Photographed at a magnification level of 40,000 times (10x8), this TEM image showcases both beauty and brutality on a microscopic scale. It serves as a reminder of nature's intricate battles between microorganisms while offering valuable insights into virology and microbiology research fields.
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