| temperate phage | A bacteriophage that integrates its DNA into that of the host (lysogeny) as opposed to virulent phages that lyse the host. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| lambda phage | <virology> Bacterial DNA virus, first isolated from E. Coli. Its structure is similar to that of the T even phages. Lambda genetic material consists of a double-stranded DNA molecule with 5' twelve-base-pair sticky ends, known as cos sites, which permit circularisation of the DNA molecule. It shows a lytic cycle and a lysogenic cycle and studies on the control of these alternative cycles have been very important for our understanding of the regulation of gene transcription. It is used as a cloning vector, accommodating fragments of DNA up to 15 kilobase pairs long. For larger pieces, the cosmid vector was constructed from its ends. (14 Mar 2000) |
| lytic phage | A bacteriophage (virus which infects bacteria) that can only follow the lytic pathway to completing its lytic cycle, and does not have the mechanisms to enter the lysogenic pathway. (09 Oct 1997) |