Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are primarily composed of a protein coat (capsid) and a nucleic acid core. While phages can technically carry various types of genetic material, the majority—approximately 90–95%—contain double-stranded DNA (ds DNA). This is the standard genetic material found in the most common and well-studied phage families, such as the Caudovirales (tailed phages like T4 and Lambda).

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