bacteriophage lambda
noun
: a bacteriophage (species Enterobacteria phage λ of the family Siphoviridae) that consists of a flexible tail and an icosahedral head containing double-stranded DNA and that can be integrated as a prophage into the genome of some strains of E. coli
Note: Bacteriophage lambda is used as a vector to clone DNA from various organisms by replacing nonessential DNA in the bacteriophage with foreign DNA and introducing the combined DNA into E. coli, where it is replicated with the bacterium.
called also lambda phage, phage lambda
Dictionary Entries Near bacteriophage lambda
Cite this Entry
“Bacteriophage lambda.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/bacteriophage%20lambda. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share