Biocommunication of Phages

Biocommunication of Phages

The first book to systematically map and analyze the communicative behaviors and information-processing capabilities of bacteriophages. Exploring what scientists call the "dark matter of biology," this volume details how phages evaluate data to alter their behaviors, differentiate between self and non-self, and coordinate infection strategies. Across 22 chapters, global experts cover how phage communication impacts nutrient cycles, genomic recombination, and phage therapy.

Key Features

• Three-Tiered Communication Framework: Analyzes phage communication at intra-organismic (within self), interorganismic (between identical or related species), and transorganismic (with non-phage organisms) levels.
• Infection Strategy Coordination: Explains how interactive messaging networks dictate critical survival choices, such as triggering the destructive lytic cycle versus the dormant lysogenic cycle.
• Ecological & Genomic Impact: Reviews the hidden role phages play in driving global energy cycles, active host competition, and genetic recombination.
• Phage Therapy & Networks: Assesses the state of phage therapy research and sets up blueprints for studying broader interaction networks in non-lytic, non-prokaryotic viruses.