Science
How bacteria survive in a world full of killer bacteriophages
Source: Phys.org · Published
Humans throughout history have invented a variety of ways to fight back against troublesome bacteria. But bacteria live in a dangerous world too. The human body and other bacteria-rich environments abound with bacteriophages, or viruses that prey upon bacteria. Phages can sometimes outnumber bacteria a hundredfold, yet the bacteria endure and even thrive. What gives?
Key points
- Humans throughout history have invented a variety of ways to fight back against troublesome bacteria.
- But bacteria live in a dangerous world too.
- The human body and other bacteria-rich environments abound with bacteriophages, or viruses that prey upon bacteria.
- Phages can sometimes outnumber bacteria a hundredfold, yet the bacteria endure and even thrive.
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