Given below is a diagram of a T-4 bacteriophage. Choose the option that has all the parts correctly labelled.
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Solution
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. The genetic material in them is usually double-stranded DNA. A typical bacteriophage, for example, the T-4 bacteriophage, infects E.coli.
Their general structure comprises of:
A polyhedral head that consists of the nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat or capsid.
A collar present below the head that joins the head with the tail.
A sheath that is contractile in nature and helps in the delivery of the viral genetic material into the host cell.
The tail fibres are used to attach to the host cell.