Bacteriophage preparation

Definition

Bacteriophage preparation is the process of isolating, purifying, and amplifying bacteriophages for research or therapeutic use. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bacteriophage preparation involves multiple steps including the isolation of phages from natural sources, propagation in bacterial cultures, and purification through filtration or centrifugation.
2. The titer or concentration of bacteriophages in a preparation is often determined using plaque assays.
3. Purified bacteriophages can be used for applications such as phage therapy to treat bacterial infections, as well as in molecular biology research.
4. Phage lysates are typically stored at low temperatures to maintain their viability and effectiveness over time.
5. The efficiency of bacteriophage preparations can be influenced by factors like the host bacteria's condition, growth medium, and the presence of contaminants.

Review Questions

• What are the key steps involved in bacteriophage preparation?
• How is the concentration of bacteriophages determined in a preparation?
• Why might bacteriophage preparations be stored at low temperatures?

Related terms

Plaque Assay: A method used to measure the number of viral particles present in a sample by counting plaques formed on a layer of host cells.

Phage Therapy: The use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections.

Lysate: A fluid containing the contents released from lysed cells, often used to refer to solutions containing phages after they have been released from infected bacteria.