receptor-mediated bacteriophage reversible attachment to host cell GO:0098001 bm Process by which a bacteriophage, using its tail fibers, spikes or a baseplate component, initially recognizes and binds to its specific receptor on the host cell surface. This process is reversible and allows the release of a bacteriophage without affecting infection. This process was historically defined by the release, by Waring blending or sonication, by dilution and centrifugation, or by filtration and washing, of infective virions from their complexes with cells, thus contrary to what is observed after irreversible adsorption. phage reversible adsorption biological_process reversible bacteriophage attachment, binding of host cell surface receptor adhesion receptor-mediated virion attachment to host cell