What are bacteriophages? Draw a well labelled diagram of bacteriophages.

Options

A. Porifera, ostia, choanocytes, indirect development, Sycon
B. Porifera, ostia, choanocytes, indirect development, Euspongia
C. Coelenterata, gastrovascular cavity, Cnidoblasts, direct development, Obelia
D. Ctenophora, comb plates, diploblastic, indirect development, Ctenoplana

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

**Step 1: Definition of Bacteriophages**
Bacteriophages, often referred to as phages, are a specific type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. They are unique because they target bacterial cells, making them important tools in molecular biology and medicine.

**Step 2: Characteristics of Bacteriophages**
1. **Type of Virus**: Bacteriophages are a special category of viruses.
2. **Parasitism**: They parasitize bacteria, meaning they rely on bacterial cells for replication.
3. **Infection and Replication**: Bacteriophages infect bacterial cells and replicate inside them, leading to the production of new phage particles.

**Step 3: Drawing a Well-Labeled Diagram of Bacteriophages**
1. **Head**: Start by drawing a hexagonal or spherical shape at the top, which represents the head of the bacteriophage. This is where the genetic material is contained.
2. **Collar**: Below the head, draw a short cylindrical structure to represent the collar.
3. **Sheath**: Extend a long cylindrical structure downwards from the collar to represent the sheath. This part acts like a contractile structure during the infection process.
4. **Tail Fibers**: At the bottom of the sheath, draw several long, thin lines extending outwards. These are the tail fibers, which help the bacteriophage attach to the surface of the bacterial cell.

**Step 4: Labeling the Diagram**
Label each part of the diagram:
- Head
- Collar
- Sheath
- Tail Fibers