NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The baseplate of bacteriophage T4 is a multi-protein molecular machine that controls host cell recognition, attachment, tail sheath contraction and viral DNA ejection.

Detailed explanation-2: -Attachment: Proteins in the “tail” of the phage bind to a specific receptor (in this case, a sugar transporter) on the surface of the bacterial cell. Entry: The phage injects its double-stranded DNA genome into the cytoplasm of the bacterium.

Detailed explanation-3: -The tail of the bacteriophage includes the tail sheath, base plate and tail fibers, which are made of different proteins. The long tail fibers are used by the bacteriophage to attach itself to the bacterium and the virus then inserts its genetic material inside of the host cell to begin the replication process.

Detailed explanation-4: -Phage coats or ghosts, composed entirely of protein, appear to be responsible for protecting the phage nucleic acid from degradation by factors in the surrounding medium; attachment of the virus to its susceptible host; and delivering the nucleic acid to the interior of the cell.