Bacteriophages are a type of virus that infects bacteria.

Last updated: 8/2/2022

Bacteriophages are a type of virus that infects bacteria. Scientists have started to use these bacteriophages to move genetic information from one bacterium to another. Which characteristic of a virus is an advantage and why? The ability to integrate its own DNA into the host's DNA makes it possible to transfer the integrated DNA to another organism. The ability to utilize the hosts' protein synthesis machinery where copies of synthesized proteins remain stored. The ability to only infect a limited range of hosts helps to transfer genetic material more efficiently. The ability to assemble itself inside the host cell makes the transfer more efficient and independent.