How to introduce a new bacteriophage on the block: a short guide to phage classification

Abstract

Bacteriophage (phage) studies established the field of molecular biology and continue to propel life science research forward due to their diversity, abundance, and potential applications. In this Gem article, we orient newcomers to four common ways phages are currently classified: infection cycle, morphology, taxonomy, and supergroup. By using these classifications, researchers can determine where any novel phage fits into the scheme of the known “phage-verse”.