Define the term genetic complementation. Describe how the term applies to an experiment in which two lysis-defective bacteriophages are able to coinfect a bacterial cell and produce lysis.

Key Concepts

Genetic Complementation

Genetic complementation occurs when two different mutations in a gene are present in the same organism, and the normal function is restored. This phenomenon is often observed in diploid organisms, where one allele can compensate for the defective allele of another. In the context of bacteriophages, it allows for the production of functional proteins necessary for lysis when two defective phages infect the same bacterial cell.

Bacteriophage Coinfection

Bacteriophage coinfection refers to the simultaneous infection of a bacterial cell by two or more bacteriophages. This process can lead to genetic interactions between the phages, such as complementation, where the presence of different mutations allows for the restoration of a functional viral component. Coinfection is a critical experimental setup to study genetic interactions and the functional roles of specific genes in phage biology.

Lysis in Bacteriophages

Lysis is the process by which a bacteriophage causes the destruction of a bacterial cell, releasing new viral particles. This process typically involves the production of lytic enzymes that break down the bacterial cell wall. In experiments involving lysis-defective phages, understanding how complementation allows for lysis can reveal insights into the genetic mechanisms that govern phage life cycles and their interactions with host cells.