Ecological and Evolutionary Benefits of Temperate Phage: What Does or Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger. (6th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison, Ellie; Brockhurst, Michael A.
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 39:Number 12(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-10-06
• Subjects: experimental evolution -- horizontal gene transfer -- lysogenic conversion -- microbial ecology -- prophage -- temperate phage -- transduction; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract : Infection by a temperate phage can lead to death of the bacterial cell, but sometimes these phages integrate into the bacterial chromosome, offering the potential for a more long‐lasting relationship to be established. Here we define three major ecological and evolutionary benefits of temperate phage for bacteria: as agents of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), as sources of genetic variation for evolutionary innovation, and as weapons of bacterial competition. We suggest that a coevolutionary perspective is required to understand the roles of temperate phages in bacterial populations. Abstract : The dual personality of temperate phages – as infectious lytic phages or prophages integrated within the bacterial genome – creates a complex interaction with bacterial hosts. Although potentially lethal, prophages confer a multitude of benefits for the host, suggesting the potential for both conflict and collaboration which must be viewed from a coevolutionary perspective that considers both host and phage fitness interests.