Bacteriophage Structure Diagram - Viral Anatomy Explained #3564975 (License: Personal Use)

This grayscale illustration depicts a typical lytic bacteriophage, such as the T4 phage infecting E. coli, featuring a polyhedral (icosahedral) head containing DNA, a helical tail sheath capable of contraction, and six slender tail fibers for host recognition and attachment. The structure exemplifies how phages deliver genetic material into bacterial cells during infection. Its symmetry and modular design make it a foundational model in virology and genetic engineering.

Used in educational resources, microbiology textbooks, and science websites to explain viral morphology, phage therapy, or CRISPR origins; targets students, researchers, and science communicators seeking visual clarity on bacteriophage anatomy.