A tailed bacteriophage is a type of virus that specifically infects bacteria. It has a unique structure, featuring a head that contains genetic material and a tail that helps it attach to bacterial cells. Once attached, the bacteriophage injects its DNA or RNA into the host bacterium, leading to the production of new virus particles. These viruses are important in microbiology and biotechnology, as they can be used to study bacterial infections and develop treatments. Tailed bacteriophages are part of the larger group known as phages, which are being explored for their potential in phage therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.