Language
Country/Area
No result found
Over 1,031 Mysterious Creatures: Why Are Phages the Most Common Creatures on Earth?
Bacteriophages are organisms that carry virions that specialize in infecting and multiplying in bacteria and archaea. According to research, there are more than 1,031 species of bacteriophages on Earth, making them one of the most prevalent organisms on the planet. Phages vary in shape, structure, and genetic makeup, ranging in size from a few genes to hundreds of genes. Over time, these tiny creatures have played an important role in our ecosystem.
“Bacteriophages are considered to be the most abundant organisms in water bodies, and some studies have shown that in some environmental samples, the concentration of microorganisms can reach 9×10^8 virus particles per milliliter.”
Structure and classification of phages
The basic structure of a bacteriophage consists of a protein shell and a genome, usually DNA or RNA, packaged inside. They are divided into multiple categories based on differences in morphology and nucleic acid, and are classified by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Due to the extremely high diversity of these viruses, different phage variants exist both in the ocean and in the soil.
History and applications of phages
The history of bacteriophages can be traced back to the late 19th century. In 1896, scientist Ernest Hanbury Hankin discovered a substance with significant antibacterial effects in the Ganges River in India. Following the independent research of French microbiologist Félix d'Hérelle, he first described the existence of bacteriophages and their antibacterial properties in 1917, thus announcing the birth of "phage therapy". With the invention of antibiotics, the use of phages has gradually been marginalized. However, in recent years, as drug-resistant bacteria have become increasingly serious, phages have once again received attention and become a potential therapy to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
“Bacteriophages are like guides with identification marks that specifically locate bacteria and archaea and carry out effective infections.”
The potential and future research directions of phages
Current research has found that phages can effectively fight drug-resistant bacteria. For example, in animal experiments, mice treated with phages showed a higher survival rate. In addition, phage technology is also used in fields such as food safety, diagnostic testing, and even combating biological weapons and toxins. As our understanding of these organisms deepens, phages may become important tools in future medicine and biotechnology.
Limitations and challenges of phages
Despite their many benefits, phages can also cause problems in some situations. For example, in the dairy industry, phages may cause cheese to not ferment, so the industry has to take certain preventive measures. In addition, phage-specific infection may make it difficult to effectively treat certain bacteria.
"The research on phages is developing at an alarming rate, and many scientists have great hopes for their application in antibacterial and ecological research."
Conclusion
Overall, the existence of phages not only changes our understanding of biological diversity, but also provides new ideas for treating various bacterial infections. In the face of the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria, the potential of phage research seems endless. Will it become the "mysterious creature" that saves us in the future?
